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

One of my best friends son and daughter-in-law have both had the surgery and have been extremely successful with their weight loss. Together, they have lost almost 400 pounds

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

I had absolutely no problems with BCBSNC getting approval. No hoops to jump through, nothing. My application was submitted on Tuesday afternoon, and I had my official letter of approval in the mail on that following Saturday.

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

I met with all the staff and my surgeon all in the same day. He was my last appointment, so by the time I got to see him, I was worn out. He seemed very nice, a little mechanical, and a lot cautious. But I liked him very much, and he appeared to have lots of experience and knowledge.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had already made up my mind long before I ever went to the initial seminar that I was going to have this surgery, one way or another. I felt like this was my last hope for a long healthy life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, after much research and reading, I felt like at my age, I needed the procedure that would produce the most results, that fastest. And everything I read told me that the RNY was that surgery.

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 really didn't have that much fear because I had prayed and prayed about the surgery, and felt that the Lord had opened each door for me. It was my time, and I had complete confidence in Dr. V

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?

All my family was very encouraging. They all knew how much I desperately wanted this surgery. My older brother had a friend who had had the RNY, and was very successful, so he really encouraged me to go for it. My mother was the only one who was negative at first. But she soon realized that I was GOING for it, no matter how many scary reports she told me about!

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

I do not work, having retired 5 years ago, so that was a non-issue for me.

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

My stay in the hospital was uneventful, however, I had to sleep in the recliner most of the time. The bed was so broken down and uncomfortable that I could not sleep in the bed. The hospital and staff were great and very helpful. The bed was the biggest concern.

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

No complications, but I developed severe nausea the night I came home from the hospital. I called my surgeon and he sent me meds to help, but I am still dealing with the nausea at two months post-op

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

I didn't really have any anxiety about the surgery, other than worrying about dehydration and malnutrition due to the vomiting.

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

I had no pain post-op, which I was VERY grateful for. My biggest issue was and still is the nausea after I eat.

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

The bariatric clinic where I go is only about 30 minutes from my home, so it is very convenient.

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.

Well, it has only been four months, but I continue to have problems eating any kinds of meats. Grilled pork chops seem to go down easier than anything else. I have just this week been able to eat a little boiled chicken. For the most part, I have to get my protein from supplements and cheeses and eggs. I have had two dilatations because of the nausea and vomiting, but it seems to be much better this week.

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

I had absolutely no pain with the surgery. It was actually the easiest surgery I have ever had. I stopped at the grocery store on my way home from the hospital. Not that I would recommend that to everybody, but I felt fine, if just a little week. It didn't take me very long to be back in my usual routine.

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

Bariatric Multi vitamin, bariatric iron, bariatric B-complex, a bariatric sub-lingual B-12 tablet, chewable calcium

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?

The nausea and vomiting has been the most challenging problem. That and not being able to get in enough protein. And the two problems go hand-in-hand. I have had two dilatations, the last of which was last week. It does seem to have helped a lot.

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

The whole relationship with food thing. I knew in my mind what was going to happen, but was not prepared emotionally for the "separation" anxiety. I have finally learned what it means to eat to live, rather than living to eat. But it is still VERY hard.

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

My surgeon requires each patient to attend regularly a support group that his practice sponsors. This has proved to be a valuable tool so far.

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

Very little scarring. I have small blueish brown marks at each incision site. I believe these will eventually fade and dissappear.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a stall a couple of weeks ago, and am still at it. I think probably because I'm not getting enough protein or water in every day because of the nausea.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I have noticed people are much friendlier now.