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

I first heard about bariatric surgery in the 1990's and even went for a consult but could not get approval and was not able to afford self pay. I wanted it, felt like it was the answer to my prayers.

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

I was first rejected and was very upset. I wanted to just throw in the towel, but my husband read the rejection with much less emotion and saw that it was a formality and that they were asking for a letter from my PCP. As soon as they received the letter I was approved... so I would suggest, do NOT give up! and give the insurance company what they ask for!

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

I think it was helpful to me that I had already researched WLS so I came prepared with questions I wanted answered. My surgeon was very upfront about the risks and expectations, which I appreciate.

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 for 3 days after my LAP-RNY. The hospital was extremely nice (almost hotel like) with all single rooms. The nurses were friendly and attentive. I could not have asked for a more pleasant experience. I would suggest bringing a fan (if allowed or not provided ... my hospital provided one) and your own pillow.

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

Two of my incisions became infected and opened a little. They turned purple and had a stitch trying to work it's way out. I called the doctor's office, applied Neosporin two times a day and watched carefully. They are still healing as I type this. (I will be 4 weeks out tomorrow)

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 never experienced what I call PAIN but I did have some discomfort. I slept in the recliners for several days and when I started sleeping in my bed I still propped myself up with 3 pillows. I also had pillows on either side to help with support for me to push myself up. I was nervous from time to time worrying about possible complications but I would post to my state messaged board on ObesityHelp.com and that helped ease much of my fears and reasurred me that others felt the same things I was feeling.

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

Each week I was home I noticed a noticable improvement. I made sure to walk daily and tried to eat very slowly. By the 4th week I almost felt normal and have worked up to walking 1.2 miles in 24 minutes. Before surgery I could barely walk to our mailbox and back .1 mile (one way).

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

My surgery was only 25 miles away (I live in the country).

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

The person who does the evaluations has group counceling 2 times a week. It costs $10 to participate and he's always talking about his politics which is not what I'm there for AND he and I think differently so I chose not to give my $10 in case he turns it around and uses it for his political purposes. There is also a monthly group meeting that is sponsored by the surgeons office. They always have a guest speaker and a speaker from a WLS patient and door prizes. This is a free meeting that provides MUCH information, comroderie, etc. The hospital build a grand (and beautiful) work out facility with everything imaginable. There are several activities set up just for WLS people. I haven't been able to join yet because I still haven't been released by my surgeon but that's one other type of support and I've seen the people who go are forming friendships and support.

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

Very minimal. At this stage they are a pinkish/purple.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have plateaued a couple of times for a day or two but I can always tell that when I don't exercise, I don't lose as good.