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

I met a neighbor that had RNY and she had a great experience so I looked into it.

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

Initially I was denied. I actually expected it! No doubt the insurance companies make you work to get approval, but I fought the denial and got approved about a month later.

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

First, I went to an information seminar, which I thought was an EXCELLENT idea. Then, I met with the surgeon after a period of time and asked a lot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt very well informed about the procedure and I was finally ready to get healthy!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Truthfully, my insurance would not pay for the gastric sleeve :( so by default, I opted for RNY rather than the band, which were the only two surgeries they would pay for. I have BCBS of MN.

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?

Most "acted" supportive, but I've heard they pretty much thought it was the "easy way out!" Husband was irritated often as it took me away from my family and being able to do everything I do being a stay-at-home mom! A little selfish, don't ya think?

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

N/A

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

I was SO glad I attended the weight loss seminar!! I'm also going to go to the monthly support group. I feel I need the extra support.

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

I was there 2 nights. I didn't feel it was important to bring anything special as I had a hard time coming out of anestecia, ended up having a 3 day migraine and was pretty much out of it for the entire stay! I actually felt as if the majority of the nurses attending to me were quite inept! I wish I would have kept better notes and paid attention to their names, but like I said, I was pretty much "out of it!"

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

Only in the fact that I didn't wake up from anestecia well and my oxygen levels were quite low, so I ended up being on oxygen for a day and a half.

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 felt excited!! But....I also had "last supper" syndrome! That's where I pretty much ate everything as I feared I would't be able to eat it again ever or at least for a very long time! That ended when my liquid diet began 2 weeks prior to surgery.

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

I was tired! My tummy was sore but totally tolerable. I thoroughly concentrated on myself (in spite of my family needing me!) as I knew this would be of utmost importance.

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

My surgery was only in the next city to the West of my hometown. My husband took me to and fro because you don't want to drive after surgery!

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.

I am only two weeks out. I could only tolerate the liquid diet for the first week post-op! I started my moist/mushy foods 7 days after surgery and have had NO problems. I started my softish regular foods about 3 days later and have had NO problems! I wanted to puke after drinking protein shakes for two weeks straight prior to surgery!

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

First week I would get up and walk regularly, but then I would need to rest. By 10 days after surgery I felt back to my (somewhat) normal self. Now, at 14 days post-op I'm taking walks every day and will increase this in intensity and duration slowly.

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

I just started yesterday. I'm taking two Bariatric Advantage multi-vitamins, iron, B12, folic acid and calcium citrate.

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 feel nausea every now and then, but mostly when I have filled my pouch or when I drink another one of those dang protein drinks! I try to eat slower and to learn to sense when my pouch is full and measure my foods. I have also cut WAY back on my protein drinks.

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

The EMOTIONAL part! I thought I was prepared to face this, but it wasn't until after I realized, "Hey, I just re-routed my innards," did it really hit me. I started to panic and just called my doctor a lot to ask if "this is normal!"

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

I am going to start going to the Bariatric support group at the hospital which I had surgery. I've heard this can be a lifesaver!!

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

My scar is itty bitty. I'm not sure what I expected. My surgeon did lovely work!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was just on a 5 day plateau and I was told it was just my body adjusting to the trauma of the surgery etc....but I got on the scale this morning and I've dropped another 2 lbs for a total of 19 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've always been a confident person, so I haven't really noticed yet as I'm only two weeks post-op.