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

A friend of my husbands, his wife had it done and when I saw her 6 months later, I did not recgonize her. I kept asking questions. And thought, I can do this, this could save my life.

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

I went online to check my the requirements for insurance and followed everything they required and the Dr. required. If you are not sure of exactly what is needed from your insurance, call and ask them.

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

First visit with Dr. was very enlightening. She is very strick in what she ask you to do because she does not want to lose anyone. She lost only one person is that was due to the fact that the patient refused to get out of bed and ended up with a blot clot and died. She tells this story at every meeting stating that if you do not follow her instructions, do not use her as your Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Finding my self embarrassed with the odor from smell from not being able to clean myself. having to wear mini pads due to the inconteince.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I attended several of the monthly meeting with both pre and post op patients. I talked on this site with people who had the RNY which was the type of surgery I was interested in, I with patients of the Dr.Because I know my body, if I had the lapband, I would have eaten all around it. The RNY, would keep me from eating sweets by dumping.

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 to the part where without the surgery, I would be dead in 5 years. I was to the point where I would rather have died than to continue as I was at this point in my life. I also knew that in order to have any kind of life, this would be the only way.

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?

My family was very supportive. They all knew how I felt and how merisable I was. Due to having a few minor complications, they were of course very concerned but still supportive.

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

Due to having my Dr fill out the FMLA paperwork and getting the approval ahead of time, the company managers were very supportive as were my co-workers. They knew I would be out of work for as long as 4 weeks and knew I would return as quickly as I could.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I learned quite a bit from the first meeting. Everyone brought their before picture and some brought clothes.

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

My stay was 3 nights. Hospitals are not designed for sleeping. They come all hours day and night to check temp, BP, etc. I brought my own gowns, my meds, lotion and chap stick,toothbrush/toothpaste and hair brush. That is basically that is all I needed. Did not feel like reading or being on computer so glad I did not take these items.

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

I was anemic so they had to give me two units of blood. That part scared my husband but I was too tired to be concerned. After the units, I felt so much better.

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

You wait and wait for that surgery date to come and once it does, you start getting nervous. It is the fear of the unknown---how much pain will I be in? What complications if any will I face. Typical nerves talking.

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

The first few days were rough as I could not get up and down too good from the chair or bed. My husband had to help me for about two days. Then started forcing myself to use stomach muscles to get up and down. Really sped things up once I did that.

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

I only have about 30 miles to the other side of town so aftercare is not an issue for me.

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.

The first thing right off I realized I could not handle plain water. It has to be flavored water but not Crystal Light, that made me sick to the point of gagging. I have not had any problems with anything as far as food other than I tried tuna too soon. Gave it another 3 weeks and it was fine.

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

Within 4 weeks, the energy level was amazing. Just losing 20 pounds made a tremendous difference in the energy level. I am now 6 months out and still have days where I feel I need a nap, but they are really few in number. Most days I am really full of energy.

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

I just had my 6 month bloodwork check and it was excellant. I use the Bariatric Vitamins of which I take 3 a day rather than their instructions for 2 per day, Calcium Caltrate chewables two a day, Feosol Iron, Magnesium, Biotin, Potassium, B1, 2 subliqual B12's, and Zinc. I also get a B12 shot once a month.

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 had a little hair loss. I have dumped twice. Once on eating raisins, did not realize the natural sugar in them and I tried to eat frozen yogurt ice cream. Only ate 1 scoop but mercy, that was bad. I can eat a bite of dark chocolate without any problems but I really do not crave any of that but once a month or so.

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

The really worst part was trying to wear panties or pants prior to the staples coming out. Of course the day of surgery is not fun but due to the reminents of anesthesia and the morphine pump you really are out more than awake. The second day actually is rough but that is due to trying to walk and sit in a chair and using the stomach muscles.

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

I see the Nurse Practioner at 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year then every year thereafter. I can contact or see the dietician anytime I need. I go to Obesity Help every day to read the Q & A. Learn tons there.

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

I am 53 so I know the scar will not heal as quickly if at all. It is a small price to pay to live life more than just exsisting.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced several plateaus that lasted about 7 to 10 days but knew I was losing inches so was okay with it. This last plateau lasted for 7 weeks. It was the worst one but I am sure there will be another one that will last longer. As long as I feel great, clothes are getting too big, then I am fine. I have not weighed this little since the birth of my first child. I am happy!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they tend to treat me with more respect at work and are definitely friendlier.