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

My sister had brought it up. She was contemplating having the surgery.

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

The advice I have is to talk to your insurance representative, know your existing policies, and to document who you spoke with and when. That is only the first step of the process for some people, for me it was all I had to do and my surgeons office took care of the rest.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was very good. I brought my sister with me. She is an RN her knowledge goes a long way. Her impression of the surgeon was very good and the office staff was courteous, educated, and professional.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had given up on having the wls because of the previous experience I had at another physcians office. I was at work and told my sister and she was so upset. She had wanted me to pursue my health and happiness so she started to call other surgeons and found one in network.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had 2 siblings that had wls. One had RNY and the other had Lap band. I knew if I really wanted to change my life I had to go all the way.

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 had been in the hospital about 1 year prior with sepsis and I recovered from that. I made it through without dying. I really just wanted the help to take my life back that if I did'nt have the surgery with all my co-morbities I would eventually die. If I could go back and do it all over the only thing I would change is meeting my surgeon a year earlier.

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 husband has been very supportive. My mom was nervous because of my prior hospitalization, but she was supportive. My family keeps telling me to keep up the good work and some of them have even changed their lifestyles to try to beat the co-moribities.

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

The hospital stay was 3 days and well needed rest and support from the staff. Comfortable pjs, slippers, and HBA is all you need. You really just want to have rest periods and walk as much as you can. I was very positive and upbeat I had a great wls neighbor who had the surgery the day before me.The staff was well educated with Weight loss surgery. They would come in and speak with me and give me advice.

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

I had no complications from the surgery. I did feel very drained for about 6 weeks post op which is normal. Some people feel weaker longer, some less time it depends on the individual. I would go outside and walk up and down the street. Let the sunshine in my face.

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

Post op was great I followed the Drs and Dietician instructions. I did feel weak for about 6 weeks as those 6 weeks passed though I felt better and had more energy. The follow-ups to my surgeons office helped alleviate my anxiety, especially the first time I climbed on the scale post-op.

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

The first few weeks home from the hospital you really don't have alot of energy as I said. Following the dietary instructions are key. They are'nt always easy because your not hungry or thirsty but you really need to build yourself up to drink your 64 oz of fluids at this time so you do not become dehydrated. As well as adding any supplements that your physcian has prescribed. If you are unsure of any dietary needs you should be in touch with your surgeons staff or your dietician.

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

I traveled about 75 miles to my surgeons office. My aftercare was fine I continue to follow up with my surgeon and I am almost at my yearly time. I feel it is important for you to see the staff and physcian so they can monitor labs, weight loss, and handle any questions you may have. You will succeed if you continue to see them they have the tools you will need to be successful. The rest is up to the individual.

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.

Things you can and cannot eat will be on a list of dietary instructions you will recieve through your surgeon and dietician. It helps if you see a dietician recommended to you by your surgeons office as they will be more involved with your before and after care. I also recommend finding a protein drink that has at least 20 grams of protein and no sugar. I use Unjury, you can buy it at their website. It is all deliscious. As time goes on you can include more and more foods. I have to be honest I really just followed the dietary instructions and as time went on I have realized there are foods you just don't ever want to eat again. You will crave protein.

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

My activity was low and when I went back for a follow up I had told that concern to my surgeon. It was like 2 weeks after that around my 46 pound weight loss that I had this energy come out of no where. I had started walking, biking, some light weights.

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

Post op you will take liquid or chewables. I would take Nexium 2x daily. Multi vitamin with iron 1x daily. B-12 bilungal under the tongue 2 tabs daily. 2 Oscal petites daily.

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?

Losing my hair was a little bad up until about month 5 then it dwindles off. Certain foods you will try and maybe it agreed with you the first time and the next time it got stuck because you did'nt process it enough. I mean chewing. You really can't eat fast you have to learn to slow down. Old foods that did'nt agree before re introduce because you may be able to handle them better another time around.

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

The worse part would have to be waiting to see results and wanting to have them right away. Then all of the sudden you do have the results and your waiting for your brain to catch up with your body image and restart it. I really don't even consider that a bad part of the process. I am really happy that my sister helped me pursue this and that I am living this new journey.

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

I go back to my surgeions office for all follow ups they also have in place a nurse from the bariatric clinic and she emails, mails, and calls. This is important to have someone to talk to especially someone who is educated in this field. They really can help with all your questions.

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

The scar is faded and not even important.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Luckily I have not had any plateaus

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am still the same person just thinner and healthier I know I treat me different now. My perception is different, so I would'nt know what to say to that.