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

I heard co-workers talk about and then go through it. I thought they were crazy and said many times I would NEVER do such a thing. man am I having a big 'ol slice of humble pie.

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

I had a very quick approval and no issues with my insurance.

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

I liked the surgeon office very much. All the staff were extremely nice and understanding and did not feel ashamed or unimportant in any way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking at the statistics and being honest with myself that I would most likely never be able to obtain longlasting weightloss on my own. This is the best decision I have made for me and my families future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Again, I looked at the different types and the success rates associated with each. I chose Lap RNY and am very glad I did. Best decision for me.

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 suggest the fears are very real and should be addressed and acknowledged. I figured my chances were very good to have a successful and positive outcome since I was 30 and did not have any co-mobidities. My family history definitely had me heading down the path for a future of diabetes and heart disease.

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?

At first, people were apprehensive and scared. I did not receive any negativity, at least not to my face. I provided all who asked with the research I had done to show them why I should do this and why I should do this now. Once that was provided, it helped to settle their concerns.

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

All my coworkers have been very supportive and encouraging. I told everyone the truth. I was out for 5 weeks.

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

I was in the hospital from Tuesday morning, surger at 8 am until discharge at 1:00 pm that Thursday. I brought the basics to the hospital and brought regular clothes to wear. I was able to get dressed the next day after surgery.

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

No immeadiate surgery complications. I did end up with a stricture at 3 weeks out, resulting in being severely dehydrated and needing 3 days IV therapy as well as having to get scoped. But once that was done I was off and running!!

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

The first 6-8 weeks I was a pretty emotional wreck...very post partum depression type feelings. Mourning food and second guessing if I really did the right thing.

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

I had a 10 month old at the time of surgery so Iwas doing most of my normal stuff within a week or so. I waited until almost the end of week 2 to really pick up my son. My folks were here to help for the first few days after surgery then it was up to DH.

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

15 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.

post op diet as follows: Clear Liquids - while in hospital Full Liquids - 3 days until 3 weeks post op Soft/puree - 3 weeks to 6 weeks post op Trial and error with regular food - 6 weeks on

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

first couple weeks, pretty tired and run down. After about 4-6 weeks though I noticed increasing amount of energy every day. I need to have the most energy I can to keep up with my son!!

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

No protein shakes or bars...my surgeon does not allow them. I take a multi vitamin and calcium citrate daily and a monthly b12 injection that I give myself.

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?

Hair loss was the only side effect I noticed. I lost upward of 3x'x the normal daily amount of hair from 3 months out until about 9 months post op. Very unnerving. At 1 year, hair is almost back to normal. Loose skin no real issues here. Only plastics I would consider is a breast lift. I went from a saggy 44FF to a really saggy 36DD.

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

The unknown of how you will do.

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

I come to OH for information and have a support group through work

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

I had lap RNY so I have 6 one inch scars, most have faded. Much better than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since 6 months out I only lose the week following the end of my period. In that week I will lose between 5 - 10 pounds. In the other 3-4 weeks of the month I am losing inches and re-distributing my weight through my body.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes..people look me in the eye and I feel more people approach me. they also pay more attention to what I say and I think they take my advice differently, that it actually matters and is a good idea.