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

One of my clients had mentioned that she had wls. We were just chatting on the phone, she had no idea I had a weight problem. At first I didn't think I could survive on the small amount of food that I thought wls patients ate LOL

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

In Ontario we have insurance to pay for surgery here, but at the time that I wanted surgery I was told there was a 5-10 year waiting list. The client who told me about the surgery had hers done in Ypsilanti Michegan, so I went that route, it was not easy but I got the insurance to cover the cost. After that they sent many more people to the States until recently when they opened more Bariatric centres here

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

The first visit was very good. The surgeon explained things very well and told me all the good and bad that could happen. Meeting the surgeon is important especially if you have specific questions. They are the best ones to answer

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just could not get around much anymore. I was very depressed. I just did not like life at all. My Doctor told me if I didn't do something I would never see my 3 nieces grow up. That was an eye opener

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked at RNY and DS............. To be honest I believed that RNY would be best for me. I am not good with taking supplements and I think there are many more to take with DS. Also(blushing), the information I read said that people with DS would have lots of smelly gas. I work with clients all day and didn't want that happening. VSG was never mentioned at that time

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 thought about the possibility of not waking up after surgery, but living the way I was I don't think I would have gone on too long anyway. I basically tell people this same thing. There quality of life will be so much better after surgery.

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 was very supportive. Only one person said " You have trouble with control now, how will surgery make that any different?" Lots of people asked questions about the surgery, they were very interested

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

My employer at the time was supportive. I told her the truth. I told everyone that I was having surgery and what kind. I took 4 weeks off work

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

I was glad I attended. My husband at the time attended with me. It was a learning experience for him and I had lots of questions answered

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

The stay in the hospital was amazing. The staff was incredible. I had surgery on monday and went home wed afternoon. I really didn't need to bring anything. They had a toiletry kit for every patient. I took books and magazines, but slept a lot and walked a lot I didn't have much time for reading I guess the only things needed are comfortable clothes to wear home and toiletries if they are not provided

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

I had no complications, my surgery was text book :)

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 a little nervous but mostly excited to start my knew life

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

The first week was very tiring and I was in some pain. My sleep was all messed up. I had trouble sleeping at night and would nap in the morning. That lasted a couple of weeks. I got out and did some walking Important to remember to walk, walk, walk and sip, sip, sip(water)

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

It was a 4-5 hour drive for me. The only problem with the after care was driving back and forth. We had to take a couple of days off each time

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.

For almost the first year I had trouble with canned tuna. It just seemed to stick in my chest like a rock. I kept trying it and finally was able to eat it. I really never had any problem with any other food. As time goes by you can tolerate foods with more texture. Some have trouble with rice. Some meats are difficult if they are not chewed well. Month by month you are able to eat more and more varieties of food. I have no trouble with anything now 6 years out. Sometimes pasta and rice doesn't sit well with me, but usually if I eat too fast

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

Very slow moving, but I walked often, even if just up and down the hall in my building. After the first week I was pretty much doing everything I had done before. I probably could have gone back to work after two weeks, but getting used to all the foods and learning how pack proper lunches took some time in itself

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

I take multivitamins and calcium. When my levels are low I have taken B-12 shots and Iron

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?

About 3 months after surgery I had hair loss for about a month. I had one dumping session and never again. If I eat a bit too much now(6 years out) and I feel too full I gag until I make myself sneeze a couple of times then I feel better LOL

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

I guess the worst part is waiting for the surgery date

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

I did have for awhile a support group that met at my apartment once a month. Now I go to a coffee group once a week with people waiting to have surgery and people who have had surgery. it is very helpful. Very important to have support and to give support

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

I had my surgery done laparascopically and have about 5 tiny scars, they have faded a lot over the years. I thought it would be much worse

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At the beginning there were a few stalls that lasted a few weeks. Over the past 4 years I have not lost much at all. Not sure if we would call that a plateau or not LOL

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People do treat me differently. I am included in more things now with friends. Since I smile more and seem more happy people seem more happy for me