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

I met someone who had RNY. They looked great. We talked for a while about the surgery.

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

I had talked to my insurance and was prepared for what was expected and needed for approval. I had almost everything done before I met with my surgeon.

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

I love my surgeon. Paul Lin from George Washington University in Washington DC. His office sent me a packet ahead of time to read. It even gave me a sheet to write questions on.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My other health problems were stabilized and the last piece to getting me back to me was losing the weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Sleeve was not readily accepted by insurance when I had it done and RNY was the most permanent.

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 afraid of not being able to have it done laparoscopic because of previous surgeries. My doctor put me on preop diet for 6 weeks prior to give me the best chance of shrinking my liver and being able to have it done laparoscopic. It worked... When I checked around he came recommended as the one who may be able to do mine lap.

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 all for it and have supported me all the way and still do.

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

I did not work.

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

It was informative. I have a medical background so I already knew most of the information.

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

George Washington University is fantastic. The nurses were well trained. I was there 4 days. Bring a robe so you have something to cover your backside. Get out of bed and walk, walk, walk.

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

None

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

No anxiety. Full trust in the surgeon and his staff.

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

Buy a bunch of 2oz.containers. You can only eat or drink small amounts and this helps store leftovers. I bought a good blender to make protein shakes in. Best investment ever. Still use it 3 years later to make protein drinks.

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

It is a 120 miles round trip. Family could not be there every day.

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.

So far only two things I cannot eat. Beef and kale. I have been lucky.

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

Continued to improve and do more each day.

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

Currently use Opurity multi vitamin, calcium citrate and B-12 injection monthly.

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?

Only mild hair thinning. But a year later fine.

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

Not one thing would do it all over again.

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

Local hospital had formed a group and is very supportive.

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

Tiny little holes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Would like to have lost more but I am happy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.