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

A relative of my had bariatric surgery before I was born. Every now and then I would hear her mention it, so I'd always known that it was out there. I always told myself I'd never get to the point where I'd need it. Then when I got to the point where I needed it, I told myself I'd never have it. Well, long story short I ended up having it lol. How I arrived at this decision is answered in the following questions.

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 a breeze. They didn't even require me to do the six monthly visits to a doctor or like many other people do. My only hiccup was that I hadn't paid my deductible when I was supposed to. Even after I paid it, EVERYONE doctor/psychiatrist I went to see wanted $250 extra so I could meet my deductible. It was annoying but it only took a few weeks to straighten out. My only real advice is to be prepared. This isn't a cheap process, even if you have insurance. Be prepared to drop at LEAST $2,500 bucks out of pocket.

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

My doctor has a seminar every 2 weeks to tell people about the weight loss surgery options available. I knew then that I wanted him to be my surgeon. I made an appointment with him. Before I went I did the following things that I think will make everyone get the most out of their 1 on 1 visit: Do online research and speak to someone who's had the surgery (if you know someone). Take notes!! Make a list of questions you want to ask your surgeon when you speak 1 on 1. If you meet your surgeon and s/he is a jackass, LEAVE!!! You deserve to be treated like a person! Meeting my surgeon 1 on 1 was great. I had a bad experience with a previous doctor and his staff. They were rude and didn't care about me as a person. My new surgeon did. He and his staff greeted me by name and answered all of my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight had gotten to the point where I didn't think I could lose it all with diet and exercise alone. I'd dug a deep hole, fell in and needed help getting out. I knew my "help" needed to be weight loss surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I was 19, I saw a Lap Band commercial on TV and I spoke to a doctor about it. His staff was rude and they just wanted me to rush into surgery. It scared me off. I ended up gaining another 65 lbs. I finally decided that my condition was "too much" for Lap Band, and I needed a stronger tool to help me lose weight so I decided to do RNY Bypass with another doctor.

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 fears: - Not getting enough nutrients. I'm anemic and I thought having the surgery would just make it worse. - Not losing enough weight to get to a healthy BMI. - Being put to sleep on the operating table -- I'd never had surgery before. - Eating too much after surgery and rupturing my new stomach. - Losing the weight and gaining it all back. - Loose and hanging skin. This is how I'm dealing with my fears: - My dietitian (and hopefully yours as well) will teach you how to get all of your nutrients and vitamins a day. It's difficult, I'm still struggling but I know it's possible. Each day gets easier and I know I'll get my "eating timing" right in time. - I still have this fear, but I see others being successful, so it's giving me hope. - The surgery was great. They saw that I was nervous and they comforted me and gave me something to relax. I didn't have any problems with the anesthesia. - I'm new out of surgery so I don't really "feel" the sensation of fullness, but I just drink the amount of liquids my doctor and dietitian told me to drink and I haven't had any problems. - This is still a fear, but I'm working and praying that it doesn't happen. - Loose skin isn't a problem for everyone. I've seen people who don't have any. I know I will. I started this journey 300 lbs over weight. I've just come to accept it, and I'm saving up the money for a full body lift.

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 family has been very supportive. I know they wish that I didn't HAVE to do it, but they saw that I needed help and they stood behind me. My friends, for the most part, have been ok. Their reactions ranged from shocked to "Meh, yeah, you probably need it." After my surgery, people have been keeping an eye on my to see if I'm ok.

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

I had my surgery while I was unemployed, so this wasn't something I had to worry about. I was able to move around like I normally did, without any pain, about 3 days after surgery.

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

I am SO glad I attended my seminar. I learned a lot during the seminar, I was able to speak with the surgeon, and I met quite a few people and was able to get more insight on the process that the doctor would never be able to give me. I personally think everyone should be required to go to a seminar during their pre-surgery process.

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 all of Monday and I left Tuesday at 10 AM. My stay was good, but tiring. After surgery and recovery, I was wheeled to my hospital room. I never got to sleep more than an hour at a time because I had breathing tests every hour, I had to get up and walk a lap around the hospital floor as often as I could, my vitals were checked about 5 ba-billlion times lol. I was also very thirsty. I wasn't allowed to drink past midnight the day of my surgery and after surgery I couldn't drink anything at all, even suck on icecubes. I had to wait until my leak test at 11:30 that night. Buy Oasis!!!!! It's a mouth moistening spray and it SAVED MY LIFE!!

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

I've had NO complications so far. The worst problem were gas pains under my lower left ribs. Gas-X strips and a 15 minute walk after every "meal" has cured me of all gas pains!!

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 excited. I'd been waiting for my surgery date for months, when I finally got it I was ecstatic. I was nervous though. A lot of my nervousness was about the surgery. Honestly, I didn't cope with it. I just went through the surgery and got over it.

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

I'm in this process now. I haven't had any problems. My first day home, I slept ALL day. I have to sleep at a 30 degree incline for a week, so I had my back against 7 pillows. It was pretty comfy though =D Expect to be tempted. If you live with people, they'll be eating around you when all you can have is water, popsicles, protein shakes and vitamins. It's tough and even though you know it's going to happen, it's still hard to go through.

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

I live 10 minutes from the hospital, so I didn't have any travel issues.

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'm only a week out, but here's what I can have during my first 6 weeks. Day 1, 2 and 3 - Clear liquids ONLY! Water, crystal light, ice, chicken broth, clear protein drink that the hospital provided. Week 1 & 2 - Add Liquids. Skim milk, protein shake, fat free/sugar free pudding, sugar free jello. Week 3 & 4 - Add soft/purred food. Refried beans, low fat cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt (strain fruit peices), blend/blitz/chew the HELL out of chicken, tuna, salmon. If the meat is still too dry, I can have light mayo. Week 5 & 6 - Add crackers, toasted bread, soft cereals like cream of wheat, cooked veggies. Week 7+ - If you can handle raw veggies, it's ok, but try to avoid them until Month 2. Avoid steak until month 4 - 6.

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

I'm not allowed to do any weight training until week 3. I can only walk. I'm supposed to walk 20 minutes 4 times a day, but I'm only able to do 15 minute walks right now.

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

Two multi vitamins (one in the morning, one at night). I'm supposed to also have 3 calciums a day, but I'm falling behind on them.

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 only had to vomit once and it was 30 minutes after surgery. I haven't vomited since. Since I'm so early out of surgery, I haven't had any hairloss yet. I hope not to have any at all. If I do, my hair is already short so maybe I can just wear a scarf or hat or something.

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

Aside from the cost? lol My process was pretty smooth, but I hated the 6 hours after surgery. I was in agony.

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

I started going to support groups 3 months before surgery. I think this was important in forming the habit of going. I meet them twice a month and I learn a lot. More importantly, I get encouraged. People who had the surgery 1 month, 1 year, 7 years ago have a lot to say. I see their success and I feel like I can have that level of success too. I hear struggles and relate to them. I'm even able to give some advice myself. I've made a lot of friends who understand exactly what I'm going through. I can lean on them when times get rough. EVERYONE going through this process should join one, whether it's in person or online like the OH forums.

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

I have 6 marks from the port. They're healing, but they're SO faint. I didn't expect that at all. My stretch marks are 500% worse than the scars that are forming. I can't see my drain scar at all. My surgeon is awesome.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.