How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

An acquaintance from high school had it done, and her & I started to discuss it. She was so happy with the life changing transformation, that it made me start researching my options.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

My experience with OHIP was very easy. I applied via fax, and was verbally approved within 7 days, and I had my actual letter (via Purolator) in 10 days. Plus, I called OHIP on a few occassions & Bev Lyman assisted me, and was very very helpful & friendly.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My 1st meeting with the surgeon of my choice was excellent! He was very informative, helpful, and he truly seemed to care & be sincere too. He answered all of my questions & was very thorough as well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I researched the clinic & surgeon I chose, then I spoke to a number of post-op patients. The recurring theme seemed to be "run, don't walk to have this done", and everyone pretty much said that it was the best thing they ever did for themselves. At the time that I had this surgery, I had a 2 year old son, and was a single Mom too, and I was afraid that my morbid obesity was going to kill me prematurly & leave my son all alone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My decision was mostly based on my insurance coverage, but I also felt that the RNY was for me too.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was very afraid of death, but then I researched my odds of dying in a car crash, or other ways, and I realized that when it's your time, it's your time. Also, I knew that my life would be shortened anyway if I remained morbidly obese.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Surprisingly, I had a great support system! My family & friends were behind me, but they just really encouraged me to do lots of research, and to make sure that this was something that I really wanted.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I only told my employer that I was having 'abdominal surgery', and I had planned to be off of work for approx. 2-3 weeks. I had full coverage for short-term disability through my work as well.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay at Barix Clinic (Ypsilanti, MI) was amazing - it was like being on vacation! The nursing staff took excellent care of me, and were there for me whenever I needed them too. I really didn't even feel like I had surgery! I would recommend Barix in a heartbeat!

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I was very fortunate to have had absolutely NO complications from my WLS.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

In the weeks leading up to my surgery date I was very very anxious. I was scared & nervous at times too, but mostly excited! Talking with lots of folks on OH really helped with my anxiety though.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

In the 1st week post-op I was very tired, and napped quite often during the day. However, in the following weeks I felt fine. My incisions healed well, and I had no complications, vomiting, dizziness, strictures, leaks, nausea, or anything. I only took my prescribed liquid pain meds for about 5-6 days post-op too, then I stopped taking them all together, and I had no trouble sleeping or with pain.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I live in Hamilton, ON and I had my WLS in Ypsilanti, MI. This is about 4 hours difference/travel time. I saw my own Family Practitioner for my 2 week & my 6 week check-up, and only spoke to the Nutritionist on the phone during this time. I did however attend my 3 month follow-up appointment at Barix.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I am currently in my 7th week post-op, and still eating pretty soft/mushy foods like chili, soup, pudding, etc. I get full very easily, however I haven't really encountered any foods that are "off limits" for me yet (of course I haven't had any sugar at all either).

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I did go for some minor walks, but that was about it for exercise.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I have chosen to take the Flinstone Complete Multi-Vitamin 2x daily (1x at breakfast & 1x at supper).

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I have noticed some minor shedding of my hair in the shower, but no more than I lost prior to surgery. I really haven't had any other side effects either. I often don't even feel as though I've had surgery, however I am reminded of my smaller stomach when I swallow a bite that's too big and feel a pain in my chest?!?!

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The fear of death or complications was the worst part for me. I did feel that I had chosen the best surgeon & clinic possible, but somedays the fear was a lot to deal with.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I visit OH often (Main Forum, Ontario Forum, RNY Forum, Singles Forum, and the WLS in Your 30's Forum). I also attend the Hamilton Support Group Meeting on the last Sunday afternoon of each month, as well as a Coffee Support Group in Burlington that meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month, and occassionally with the Cambridge Coffee Group (they meet every week). I also am in close contact with my "surgery sister", Sheila/MaTrix.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have 5 very small red scars from having the RNY done lap, but they've all healed up really well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am almost 8 months post-op now, and have encountered a few stalls. They're frustrating, but they seem to always pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice more men smiling at me!!!