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

I meet a couple people at work who had had the surgery and my first impression was , that has got to be one of the hardest things to do. So I asked them millions of questions and learned tho pros and cons then scheduled an appointment with a surgeon.

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

My insurance company had no problem with approving the surgery. I feel it was because of my health problems. My advice would be to document every diet. every exercise program and keep a journal for at least 30 days of everything you eat and be honest in what you eat that is what they really want to know the truth.

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

My first visit I was scared of what they might tell me. But they make you comfortable, after all they deal with this everyday. Make sure you tell them your goals and be realistic about them. they are there to help you. Make sure you ask every question you have , no question is a dumb question. Ask about the different types of surgeries and the pros and cons of them before you make up your mind. Ask the DR what surgery he/she feels would be the right choice for you different people have different problems.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that the benifits out weighed the risks. I wanted to have a life and be able to di the things I wanted to do and most importantly I wanted good health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I asked the Dr which procedure he would recomend for me and he said the lapband or the RNY. I choose the RNY because I didnt feel the lapband would be the right choice for me and the RNY was a more permenent option and I had seen alot of good results with that procedure.

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 did have a big fear of dying having the surgery, but I also feared dying without the surgery. But when it was over I felt silly having worried about dying during surgery. It went very smooth and I had no complications, also I had very little to now pain.

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 husband was mutual he said it didnt matter if I had the surgery because he loves me anyway and said that it was my choice and he would support me 100%. My children on the other hand was very worried, and they thought they could never think of me as their mother if I was thin. Everyone in my family was very supportive and helped me through the rough patches they stood by me the whole way. They kids still love me very much and noe they cant remember me the other way.

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

My work was very supportive of my decision to have the surgery. I was out of work fpr 6 weeks.

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

My first seminar was very informative and relaxed. I am glad they have the seminar so you can get the full jist of things. How the surgery is proformed how long you have to be in the hostipal, they even went through step by step diagrams of the different procedures. I was very glad I attended because I walked away sure this is what I wanted to do.

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

My stay in the hospital was a little rocky because I had a reaction to the moriphine they were giving me , but other than that it was great. They made me feel very welcome and they were all very knowledgable of the surgery. The most important things to bring are your pillow arobe and be sure to bring slippers you are gonna want to walk, walk and then walk again.(Walking makes you feel better faster)

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

I have not had any complications.

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 very nervous, I was afraid that I would not be able to eat anything I liked anymore. It helped me through the anxiety to talk about it with family and friends and if I had more questions for the Dr I just called the office and had them answered.

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

The first few weeks was the hardest because of the liquid diet, and then the puree food. But when you startfeeling better you will know that you made the right choice. Make sure you get your full amount of water and protien in this helps a million. You will be amazed when you start seeing the results.

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

My surgery was 3 hours from home, my family stayed in a hotel close to the hospital. My aftercare was great because my Dr was only a phone call away.

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 have a very hard time eating bread unless it is toasted. Some meats are hard for me to eat. I can only have very small amounts of carbonated liquids. My body does not tolerate sugar well, I can have a small amount once in awhile. I cannot eat cake at all. But I never really was a cake eater anyways.

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

When I first came home from hospital I just felt drained, it is a big ordeal for your body to go through. As time passed it was amazing how much energy I had, I felt like superwoman.....LOL

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

I take a multi vitamin daily, I aslo have to take vitamin D twice daily because my level is low, OH yeah and dont forget protien. I also take Biotin for my hair skin and nails It helps so yaou hair doesnt get to thin .

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 have nausea to this day some times if thing I try to eat are not commpatible with me. I have only vomited twice in the two years after surgery. I did start to lose my hair that is why I take the Biotin

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

The liquid diet after.

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

I just visit obesityhelp.com for support and I also have a wonderful family support team.

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

I had laproscopy so I have only very little scars. Yes this is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went through small periods of plateau's but they didnt last that long so dont get discouraged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I dont know if they treat me differently or if I just think they treated me differently.