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

My Liver specialist recommended me, as well as several friends who had the surgery. They all came back with the same surgeon so I knew it was a good idea!

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

My insurance was awesome! Everything was taken care of but I had called before I even saw the surgeon to see what I needed to find out, what was or wasnt covered, etc. I went into this knowing what to expect because I called the insurance ahead of time. It helped ease my worries as I went through the process.

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

The first meeting was wonderful. Dr. Singh explained the surgeries, and made his recommendation (I was expecting Lapband and he said Gastric Bypass due to health concerns). He answered every little question and concern I had with ease and confidence and told me this would be the best decision I have made. I loved my experience with him!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being diagnosed with diabetes was the straw that broke the camels back. I had been fighting so hard to avoid that particular problem especially after fighting with Liver/kidney issues due to my weight. This was the straw that broke the camels back. I wasnt getting any where on my own and had to do something for me and my family!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took the advise of my surgeon. He explained why he made his recommendation and why the other types wouldnt work as well for what ailed me. And I researched and read and talked to people who had the surgery and I knew it was right. He was amazing!

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 had a lot of fears. It wasnt so much was I knew, it was more what I didnt know. I feared for my family. What if... I knew my surgeon was the best and had complete faith in him, but I was scared of being knocked out and never waking up to see my family. The day of the surgery I was in tears, but Dr. Sighn talked me through it and reassured me that it was going to be great. I believed him and he was right!

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?

The people I told before hand were all very supportive. I didnt spread the news before hand because I didnt want to hear any negative thoughts or feelings. But once I had the surgery and told all my family and friends, everyone was great and now I have tons of people looking out for me and friends that have gone through the same thing to support me!

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

My employer was great. I told them exactly what was going on, the reason for the decision and what I needed from them and they acted discreetly, quickly and supportively! I recieved STD that covered me for 3 weeks of leave, and I took an extra week on my own, although the STD would have covered it. My HR person was one of my biggest supporters and I appreciated their support in the decision. I really had a great experience.

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

I was very glad. I had a lot of false impressions and they were cleared up and explained to me very well. I learned a lot during that time.

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

The hospital was great. I was there for 2 days and met some very nice friends during that time (we walked the halls together). I didnt really bring anything except a change of comfy pjs, chapstick and face wash. I didnt really much more than that.

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

No complications, but I was shocked at the discomfort I felt afterwards. I know everyone says to walk walk walk, but what I didnt realize was why they kept saying that. The air that is pumped in during a lap surgery is so uncomfortable and really the only thing that made it feel better was walking. I got up every hour and walked 2 laps around the hall. The pain meds,didnt work because it wasnt the right kind of pain.

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 nervous of course and sometimes google is the devil, but it helped to talk to friends that have gone through with the surgery and listen to them talk about their experiences. It was reassuring.

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

It was hard at first, because just the thought of eating made me quesy, and the sight of pureed food...ugh dont get me started. I think I lived on shakes just because I couldnt bear the thought of food. I made sure I kept on walking. I walked laps around the house (every comercial break), I would walk down the steet. By the second week I felt better and was able to eat more things. I didnt feel so wiped out either. The belly spots felt better and not so bruised. I started going to the mall to walk around. It helped a lot getting out of the house. I also had a hard time getting enough to eat and drink but SF popcicles saved the day and the unjury chicken soup! I still struggle sometimes, but it gets better and better and my dr. says Im doing great...the NUT is a different story :)

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

20 minutes. It was great!

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.

Chicken is a hard thing for me right now. I am only 4 weeks post-op, and I do well with most things that are allowed. I still havent done breads or rice or anything like that. But I eat eggs, chili, beans, tuna and cheese and do great! I keep trying the things that dont work right now, with the hopes I can do it eventually. I am not writing anything off yet! I havent touched anything sugary or fatty, but honestly I havent had the craving or desire to do so. Thank God!

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

It was slow at first, but I added more minutes each day and by the end of the first week I walked 30 minutes without feeling dizzy or strained. By week 4 I was walking MILES!! That hasnt happened in ...ever!

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

Bariatric advantage Iron, B12 and Nutrimetrics Cal and Multivitamins.

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 was dizzy and quesy the first few days but it went away and I had meds to help with it. At 4 weeks I still get a little lightheaded if I get up too fast or turn fast. No hair loss yet...knock on wood!

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

The first night/day of surgery! It was horrible feeling all that pressure pain in my belly!!

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

I go to the support groups and use OH and talk to my friends. It helps me stay on track and gives me great ideas!

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

I have 6 holes, 4 along my belly, 1 where the drain was and another one up near my breast bone. They all healed well and quickly except one incision that was disturbed by wearing my jeans too soon and it broke open the incision. I kept it clean and neosporaned it daily and they all look good now.