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

My friend had lap rny in Feb 99. that is when I first started invesitaging everything. I gathered information from many different web sites for about 8 months and then I made my decision that if I didn't changed my life now, it would be much harder later. I went for it!!

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

I have military dependent insurance. I basically had the doctor on base refer me to a specialist, my insurance told me where to go, and I went. The doctor put the referral for surgery in, the insurance company wanted a few tests before they would consider which I didn't think was too bad. I took the tests and got approval within 3 days. I provided all my records from previous doctors that showed my history with the battle, and I think this helped tremendously. Provide everything you can, pictures, a letter discribing you history, anything you can think of that will help make their decision faster!!!! FAX everything. The mail is unpredictable and too slow!!

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

My first meeting and only one before surgery was short and to the point. He described the surgery, the benefits, and the drawbacks. I already had most of the information I needed. My advice: Write your questions down, everyone. He doesn't have alot of time to sit and watch you think. If you write everything you can wip thru them with no problem. He will appreciate this too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didnt want to be on pills the rest of my life. That was the only other option. I had done the phen fen thing, it worked, it was short lived, and as soon as I stopped, the weight loss came back with a vengance. No more rollercoaster diets for me, It was now or never. It was for life, or be fat and uncomfortable for life. I made my decision to be happy and healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From most of the information I gathered, the rny was the mos successful. Many of the other ones could be short term and have to be re done after 10 years. I was going thru this one time, and the best way was rny.

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?

My only fear was the cathetor. I had heard horror stories (not with this surgery) from friends etc about having to have one of these in. I was sick about it. But I couldn't even feel it, when they took it out it was like a puff of air and that's it. I worried for nothing.

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 sisters where apprehensive at first, but they were uneducated on the whole thing. My Dad was behind me 100% when I explained how long I have researched it and why I decided to do this. One of my friends was like, Your not that big, you don't need to do this, stuff like that. But once they new my mind was made up they supported me and told me to go for it. My sisters are my greatest support and my best friend. One of my sisters battle with being overweight herself, she understands where I am coming from. My other sister tends to be on the thinner side maybe 10 pounds overweight. But they both stuck by me and told me they loved me and do what you think is write. They are my bestest of friends.

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 3 nights. They only thing I needed was my slippers. Where something non binding and comfortable for your ride home. The nurses and staff and my doctor were great. I didn't have any problems.

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?

I am only 9 days post op. I did have a day of depression but I also started my period at the hospital. Everything was a little overwhelming and I felt really helpless. But after a day I got up more and started to do things for myself. I felt a lot better.

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

You are very tired the first few days, but you need to get up and move. Take short walks then increase them each day. You will be a little sore, but it gets better with more activity.

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

My surgery was 3 hours away as is my doctor. I will go up as scheduled to see my doctor 1 time a month. There is a lady in my town that had the surgery on the same day and has the same doctor. We share the ride.

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 9 days post op. I eat soft foods like cottage cheese, scrambled egg, yogurt, sugar free popsicle, cream of wheat, abc soup in the can.

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

Very little my first day home after surgery, but I started to get up and walk a little bit each hour and this helped. I am 9 days post op and I walked around the block yesterday.

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

I haven't taken any yet (9days post op) but my doctor appointment is tomorrow and I assume I will take childrens chewables.

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?

No side effects yet.

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

Coming home and realizing that I cannot eat what I use to, to start rethinking my whole diet. Eat in moderation wasn't a request, it was a requirement for life. This was a big Reality check for me.

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

I have a couple of web sites that I visit daily which is the best support for questions, or things I feel, or anything that is on my mind. I only know of a couple of people that have had this surgery in my town but my doctor said he is trying to get a support group together very soon.

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

Right now I still have my staples in, from breast bone to belly button. I don't think it will be to noticeable after a few months. It is just a little red around the stitches but other than that has healed very well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am only 9 days post op and not qualified to answer.