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

4 years ago I had planned to have surgery but it never came to fruition. My little girl was diagnosed with autism and it took my life by storm. The next few years were about therapy and doctor appointments. She is doing much better now and I decided that this was the right time to move ahead.

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

My insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield Personal Choice and they approved me right away. They just needed my shrink to clear me. They were really great. Once I went through all of the medical testing I was good to go.

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

My first meeting was with Dr. Marymor at the Barix Clinic and he was great. He really helped me decide what the right surgery was for me and he explained all of the pros and cons of surgery. He was very personable and we hit it off. He came highly recommended to me and I am so glad that I chose him as my surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had enough of feeling like crap about myself. I felt like my addiction to food was killing my life and that I was choosing food over my kids. I decided to take my life back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After my consult with my doctor I decided which procedure was right for me. I needed help and didn't feel that the lap band would work for me. I needed something more permanent. I chose R-N-Y

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 the pain and the recovery but most of all - I was afraid that something could happen to me. I have 2 kids - one of which is special needs. I need to be here for them so I was scared that if something happened, I wouldn't be. The recovery was no big deal and the surgery itself was not bad at all. I thought my c-sections were way worse!

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?

Some of my family and friends were not happy that I chose to do this. Many didn't understand why I just couldn't go on a diet and loose the weight myself. Many of them thought it was drastic. However, many of my other friends who have seen me struggle for years, thought it was a great idea. They were very supportive and I was glad for that. I learned very quickly that "everyone" has something to say so be prepared or keep your mouth shut until after you have the surgery done....LOL

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

I was out of work for 2 weeks and was ready to return. My boss was great. I would for a great company and although he didn't think I needed it - he was behind me 100%

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

Absolutely! It was great to meet people who had gone through exactly what I was feeling. They really helped ease my fears. I would tell anyone who is thinking about it to go! Everyone needs support!

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 for 3 days. I had my surgery at the Barix Clinic in Langhorne, PA and I couldn't say enough good things about it! The staff was wonderful. They really took great care of me and the facility was great. It was very relaxing and the care was top notch. I would recommend that everyone have their surgery there. It is a very supportive group of people.

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

none to date...my surgery was 9-28-11

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 was happy when I got my date but anxious about the wait. I think that everyone wants to have the surgery done right away after they make up their mind that this is what they want to do. It is a really hard decision to make but once you do....you want to proceed. The wait was a killer but the time did go by quickly!

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

I am only 2 wks out from surgery but so far - my time at home has been good. I have been relaxing and spending time with the kids. I have been sore but not in pain. I am not hungry at all but have to force down the protein shakes. Sometimes it is hard seeing my family eat pizza or something I really love to eat but I remind myself that I haven't given up food forever and that solid foods is actually a few weeks away! I can make it!

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

an hour....it was not far at all.

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.

my doctor advised - 1 weeks of clear liquids and weeks of fluid liquids which is ware I am at now. I have been able to have soup and shakes. My doctor reminded me that this is for healing my stomach and not part of the diet. I lost weight quickly at first but now I am slowing down. I think that my body thinks I am starving it....it wants food! LOL

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

I was walking the halls in the hospital as soon as my nurse asked me to and I have been active ever since. I have walked every day and done house chores etc. I have even done some gardening.

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

multi vitamin only

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?

none to date

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

The first couple weeks out is tough because you get sick of tea and jello but now that I can have soup - it is much better.