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

Research.....I am an RN I think it`s a great idea

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

No problem I live in Ontario Canada and my surgery is being done here

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

Fine we discussed possible problems....adhesions,I have had several open procedures unrelated to weight loss. The Fundoplication has to be taken down and hiatus hernia repaired.My surgery is booked for 6hrs. Discussed that I may have to come back if it all can`t be done in 6hrs

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have tried everything else

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The facility I am going to does RNY so I`m fine with that

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 real fears I hope I can get everything done in that one 6hr procedure

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?

Supportive

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

Not working at the moment

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

I knew all about it before I attended...I found it was to basic.I do understand that most of the people are not in the Health care field

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

First op 3nights. Second surgery 7 nights. It was clean the staff were pleasant and compitant. Bring all toiletries,tooth brush . ,hair dryer ,curling iron,Slippers.

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

While in hospital,electrlyte imbalance low K....Replaced Iv. Low Mg replaced IV..Constant monitoring bloodwork Q4h

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 unable to retain solids and some times fluids.

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

took analgesics rested.Looked after myself but my family and friends helped.

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

45 minutes by car.....did not affect my aftercare

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.

since the surgery I can not retain even full fluid diet...having gastroscopy Apr 29...if no strictures then more surgery

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

I walk 30 aday at first I did it in increments.I do core exersizes,and free wts for arms

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

Calcium 1500 Bid Vit D BID Prenatal vitamens OD Silica OB Biotin OD Breakfast anytime no sugar once or twice daily

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

Clinic one week post op,one month,3 months,6 months,12 months...very helpful

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

laparascopic small insisions Exactly what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get more compliments....otherwise no