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

My doctors had made suggestions to me since I was about 18. I was hesitiant because I was scared to death of having surgery!

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

There were no problems being approved through Blue Cross Blue Shiled of North Carolina

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

Meeting Dr. Mann went well. However, I would tell anyone meeting thier surgeon for the first time, make a list of questions (even the "stupid" ones) and ask! I didn't do that, so I had to go through the hassle of calling.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that I was 21 years old, weighing 346 pounds, and gaining. I had tried all kinds of diets and prescriptions - nothing worked. I wanted to kill myself sometimes because I felt hopeless about my weight. So I decided, If I don't die from the surgery, I am going to suffer and die from my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one the surgeon offered, and it's the one most people get. After learning about the other type of surgery, I thought RNY seemed to be the best for me.

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 was the world's most scared person! I am always paranoid and was scared of being put to sleep. I was really nervous at the hospital. My nurse said I even made her nervous :-) I would tell other people that it's normal - maybe not to be as scared as I was, but anxiety and nervousness are expected. It's a life changing, permanant surgery. There are risks involved with everything in life and it's up to you if you want to take it.

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 and friends were glad for me. I had one cousin and one friend that didn't like it, and my cousin even tried to talk me out of it. But I wasn't about to break - when my mind was made up, I was ready and no one was going to change my mind. Now that I have lived, he's okay with it. Otherwise, everyone else is glad - I needed something done!

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

My boss and co-workers were kind of shocked. I had been giving them updates all along (as far as appointments, etc.) and they have been accepting. I was told 4 weeks out of work.

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

My hospital stay went very well. I had alot of visitors and phone calls. I was there for two days. My nurses were awesome, well - all but one that was in recovery. I have nothing negative to say about the hospital stay.

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

I only had excessive nausea for about two days, probably caused by mediation. Afterwards, I was fine.

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 excited but also nervous as to be expected. I just kept telling myself that I had to do it for my health.

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

I was actually irritable because I had people staying with me, which I am not used to. I did experience some depression, but I had good days and bad days.

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

25 miles

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.

The first two weeks was an all liquid diet, then purred food for two weeks, then soft soilds for two weeks before solid food. At frist, I was very nervous when trying new foods. I made sure to strictly follow each diet. Since the two month mark, I've tried alot of different foods. I have tolerated everything I have tried so far since surgery... very lucky!

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

At first I was too sore to do anything, aside from a little walking. As time went by, each day I felt better and better. The incision on the left side was sore for about a month. My engergy has significantly increased since surgery.

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

I currently take two multi-vitamins, 100mg calcium, iron, and B12.

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?

Nausea was only for about two days. Hair loss started about one month post op.

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

Learning how to eat slowly and not drinking with meals.

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

I do not attend support groups. I did once before surgery. I frequently use the boards on OH. They provide alot of insight and support.

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

Minimal laproscopic scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau about a month and half month out. At first, it worried and depressed me. But now I know that it's completely normal and healthy to stall. Ever since, I've stalled in a regular basis. I stall about 2-3 weeks per month, then drop about 10 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, definately. I get alot more attention from people. I also feel so much more confident and more able to express myself.