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

I had looked into it but some family friends had RNY and both had SEVERE life threatening problems; then 2 gals at work had it, gained everything back... was a scary prospect. Then my best friend had RNY and has done great. It turned my perspective around and made me look into it more seriously.

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

Mine didn't cover WLS. Got covered on husbands, it covered 50% on RNY but required 180 days of diet. Learned about VSG and cash price was less than my 50% of RNY, so I went with it and didn't use the insurance.

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

I had attended seminar then meeting with him. Basically 1st question was why no LapBand, then we went into what I want to cover. I came out feeling very positive.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After nutrition class they briefly discussed VSG procedure, I went home and for a week researched everything I could on it. I knew it was what I wanted, I setup appt wiht Doc to get his blessing and we went from there.

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?

No fear. I was incredibly calm and at peace that I had made the right decision for me.

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?

Everyone has been EXTREMELY supportive of me and are genuinely happy for my successes.

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

My boss was very supportive and encouraging. I told her what I was looking at doing and when, several months in advance, I planned for it to be during a slow period and worked to transition duties to others to cover for my 2 weeks out.

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

I was in the hosp for 3 days due to a low grade fever. Staff were incredible. Most important thing to bring is your toiletries and your own PJ's to change into, and flip flops to wear down the halls! Made me feel like myself again.

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

Just low grade fever due to dehydration. IV slipped out and they couldn't get it started again, but it passed quickly and I went home on day 3.

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, just a rush of things I needed to get done before surgery. Date was upon me very quickly and I felt great.

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

1st week was rough, 2nd week felt better, 3rd week I felt like a million bucks.

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

Hosptial was about 50 miles from my home. Ride home was rough as pain meds were wearing off, get a dose before you head to your car!!!

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.

Eggs were difficult to adjust to, but I got there at about a month out. Chesse has been GREAT from the beginning, no problems there. 2 1/2 mos out I can't drink milk straight, tummy ache.

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

3rd week was when my energy level came back.

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

1 daily multivitamin.

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?

nausea about the 1st 24 hours; can't get comfy in bed for about 10 days

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

NOTHING, I have NO (zero) complaints!! Best thing I ever did for myself and my family!

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

Husband was home for 1st week and son was in school, so I had days to myself. WAs nice to take a nap when needed!

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

4 or 5 small incisions. no complaints! Smaller than when I had my gallbladder out 10 years ago!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At about 2 weeks I stalled for a week; then at about 8 weeks I stalled for 12 days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel better so I think I'm more outgoing now, which makes people open up to me more.