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

My dad had gas truce bypass 8 years ago so I have always know about it, I just never considered it for myself. Until my ob suggested it before having another child. I was devastated at first, that my doctor thought that was my only option in order to have more children at some point in my life.,

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

I called my insurance co. And asked them for a list of everything I needed to be approved. I also has my surgeons list of what they required. I did everything on the lists as fast as I could. I attended extra appointments with a counselor and nutritionist. Follow everything they ask for is my advice to anyone trying to get approval.

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

My first visit I was emotional. I had attended a required info meeting before meeting with my surgeon. I went in with the idea of only havering the lap band and left with that not being and option for me. I took a lot in at my first appointment. I went into the appointment with a few written questions but knowing I would be overwhelmed. I brought my husband for support and to take in what ever I might miss.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After all of my research and talking to others who have had the surgery done I knew it was what was best for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went back and forth with my family. Some whites me to do it on my own with no WLS, others thought the sleeve would be better for me. I thought long and hard about what I felt was best for me. I did a lot of reading and research until I was 100% sure that I wanted to have the gastric bypass surgery.

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 feared the surgery itself. I cried while waiting to go into the or, because of fear and anxiety. My advice is to know as much as you can and go into surgery with confidence.

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?

Most of my family was not in favor of any WLS, they supported my decisions to have it. They talked to me about the whole process and have been supportive after the surgery.

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

I'm a stay at home mom so I have no experience with this part of the process.

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

Attending the WLS seminar was very overwhelming! MY husband attended with me to give me someone else to help me take it all in. But I am very happy it was mandatory I attend before starting the preop process. I went to the seminar with it in my head that I was having the lap band and nothing else. That I would let n o one change my mind. I left the seminar very well informed and knowing the band was not a good option for me. I also had a lot of information on my other options to start thinking about.

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 two days. Over all it was good stay for me. I went into the hospital the day of surgery with it in my head I was going to wake up and start walking as soon as possible. And that is what I did for the better part of my two day stay. The most important thing I brought to the hospital was not a materialistic item it was a positive and determined attitude. Sure my phone and tablet was nice to have in between walking but was not important.

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

I developed an infection in one of my incesion sites. It has been 8 days and it is still not healed. Once the doctor determined I had the infection I went to the Er where they reopened the Incesion. At first they were hAving visiting nurses come to my home and packing it. This did not help and the pain and infection continued to grow. I currently have a drain in place. It is all really painful but I keep thinking there are worse complications. Hopefully it will heal soon.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Seeing I'm only two weeks out, I. Still going through this part. I felt good at first waking several times a day. Making sure I was following the plan and taking the meds and protein. I had mental hunger on day five that had me in tears. But my husband was very supportive and helped me talk myself through it. My journey continues and there are good and bad days ahead of me just like anything else.

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

The first week is very slow going. You are recovering from major surgery, you need to let your body heal. Tracking your meds, protein and water intake will help you keep track and establish a good routine. I was not hungry and this made it difficult to want the second or third protein but it is important to drink them anyway.

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

I didn't travel anywhere for my surgery.

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 in my third week postop I am still introducing soft foods to my pouch and I will continue to follow the plan I my Dr has set up for new foods for another three weeks. From their MY nutritionist will help me make informed and healthy choices. I worked with her a lot before surgery as well to break some of my bad eating habits.

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

My first week home activity level was walking a small amount three times a day. Since my infection developed I have not been able to get up and walk but I look forward to being able to increase.

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

I am taking a multivitamin, and a calcium chew so far.

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 had some sleep disturbance so far but no other side affects yet.

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

So far the worst part for me has been dealing with the infection.

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

I am attending a support group and following with a nutritionist. I think both will be a great help in my journey.