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

Through friends and on line. I used to think it was barbaric, but my feelings about it changed pretty quickly once I did my homework.

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

My surgeon's office handled the whole thing. It went like clockwork. I recommend that people find a surgeon with experience in bariatrics who will handle the insurance approval independently.

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

It was just my husband and I and the surgeon, Dr Rosati. Dr Rosati went over every aspect of bariatric surgery that he possibly could have and answered all of my questions respectfully and with consideration and not in a hurry.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was scared of dying prematurely from the associated comorbidities of obesity.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY seemed like the best option to me because I didn't like the idea of having a foreign body in me and because I have an unnatural addiction to sugar and felt the dumping would be a great deterrent.

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?

Plenty. The risks are real, but the benefits outweighed the risks of continuing the way I was. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

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?

At first family and friends were frightened for me. Once I spent time explaining it to them, they got on board and were very supportive.

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

Very supportive. I was out for 6 weeks.

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

It was primarily good. I had one nurse that I found insensitive and rude, but everyone else was accomodating and helpful. Bring a hand held fan!

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

I had a high fever for 2 days post op. They did every test known to man kind and never found any reason for it. The fever finally abated and the doc said it was probably a trauma reaction to surgery and anesthesia. Other than that, no complications.

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

Excited, scared. I coped with my anxiety with the anticipation of finally being more effective with permanent weight loss. I did indulge in one last-meal syndrome pig out, and then sorely regretted it. Live and learn.

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

I had a lot of help, which was good, because it took every effort to keep up with the timed fluid intake, regular walks, and taking my meds. Leave a lot of time (at least 4 weeks) and gather all the support you can prior to surgery. Set yourself up.

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

1/2 hour away. Not a big problem.

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 followed the surgeon's reccomendations and had clear fluids for 2 weeks, mushies for 2 weeks, and slowly introduced new foods after that. I had no problems except for one episode with tunafish which gave me my first experience vomiting from intolerance. I eat tuna now all the time, but for a while there, I couldn't stand the thought of it! It took about 6-7 months before I could tolerate a full regular diet. I was shocked at how little it took to fill me up in the beginning, and though that did increase over time, I still can only eat 'reasonable' sized portions 2 years out.

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

Very low, small walks which increased over time and with persistance.

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

All those reccomended. Multivitamin, calcium citrate with vitamin D , B12, sometime iron supplements depending on my levels. Take this very seriously. It is like insulin to a diabetic. If you don't take your supplements you can get very, very ill.

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?

Vomiting was scary. I was afraid I would bust my pouch. Hair loss was disturbing but finite. Both lasted through about 6-8 months and then ceased.

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

Waiting. But I learned a lot during that time and those lessons help me out to this day.

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

A support group bimonthly at the hospital I had my surgery at. I don't go much anymore. I would like the post op one year plus group to rematerialize because it feels most pertinent to my needs now.

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

Very fine, well healed. It came out better than I thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had many plateau experiences prior to and after surgery. They are a frustrating but necessary part of the body's attempt to deal with such radical change. Focus on non scale victories during plateaus like size changes, measurement changes, changes in how you feel, look, changes in health. Plateaus always end!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I get treated with a lot more respect and consideration. This both enrages me and is a huge relief. Sad world!