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

My insurance originally did not cover this surgery because of an exlusion in the policy. With more medical information and the help of the HR Dept.I was approved after further investigation by the Appeals board.

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

I really like my surgeon, very nice, explained everything and was very relaxed. I felt hopeful and was told I would be a good candidate. I went prepared with a list of questions that he covered and made me feel at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My Surgeon and the fact that my insurance would cover the procedure.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon explained both surgeries and that he was doing the Lap, I wanted the lap because of recovery time.

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 am confident in my doctors decisions and I have faith that God will watch over me and help me through, I have the love and devotion of a wonderful husband and I know this surgery will change my life for good forever. I can only say to anyone feeling aprehension, is to gather information to make a informed decision about surgery. Any surgery can be a life threatening decision.

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?

I am not telling my dad because of his age and he lives out of state half of the year. I will tell him after the surgery just to reduce his stress. He has had enough medical issues in the past 3 years and doesn't need to worry about me. My husband is very supportive. My daughter is coming around but has her own weight issues and I can only be responsible for me. I know she will be there for me and hopefully in time will understand I am doing this for me, not her or my husband. I deserve to live a healthier life and I am doing something about it.

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

I have asked for the time off but have not disclosed for what purpose. I also think it is not any of there business. I told them I was having a medical procedure and that I would be off work. I am requesting 2 weeks, hopefully with a lap I will be able to go back by then if not I will take some more time. I do secretarial work so I am not very physically active at work.

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

The hospital stay was fine. I was in for 4 days. I did bring my slippers and a robe which I wore. The hospital was not very informed about the diet for a gastric bypass patient, I was served an egg and toast on Day 4!!! I didn't eat it but my doctor came in and said "don't eat that" I told him I knew that much.

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

No complications, my surgeon had to take a bit more time because of some adhesions from a previous lap for my gallbladder. I also was slow to come out of anesthetic. Other that that, I did fine. No infections or problems.

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 just kept telling myself that I didn't gain all this weight in a month, and a few more weeks either way wouldn't make any difference, because I would have the surgery and lose the weight and that was my main goal. So I tried to be patient. I did journal some and was supported by family.

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

Patience. I was sore, tired and got real sick of liquids and soft foods but it doesn't last for ever. Be patient. Drink alot of fluids even when you don't feel like it. It will get better

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

2 miles

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.

At first I could not handle anything with the smallest little lumps. I felt like I wanted to burp all the time. I am now 10 weeks post op and still can't handle eggs or hamburgers. I get a heaviness and I usually end up throwing up no matter how much I chew. I won't try beef for a while and then try again. I can eat steak, no problem.

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

I try to walk each day or do some other form of activity. I go to curves 3 times a week and also have been busy cutting grass with a push mower. I am up and down stairs all day long. I feel like I have so much more energy.

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

mIlti vitamin, Biotin, B-12 and Tums.

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 vomiting is not too bad, just from certain foods and I know right away if it will stay down. I have had some hair loss so I am trying the Biotin and seeing if that helps. I am sleeping fine, and have alot of energy.

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

NG tube and catheter, liquids for 21 days and the staples.

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

My surgeon did not have any support group in place. I asked about starting one, with the help of the clinic, they provided us a room, printed the brochures and have been very helpful in getting our support group off the ground. We meet monthly. First Monday of the Month. It has been a great help to me and I have meet so many wonderful people that are having the same stuggles as I have.

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

lap scars, nothing too big or bad. I am not disappointed, they are fading nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus are a way of life for me. I just have to be patient. Eat righ, drink my WATER and remember I didn't get to be big in a day, and that the weight will come off. I am plateauing all the time. Just a way of life for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, very. Men at the grocery store talking to me, for no apparent reason. Opening doors. Smiling at me, I am now getting used to it but in the beginning, after about 5 months, I didn't know what to think. My self confidence is much better. I feel more in control. Stronger.