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

I heard it on tv and thought it could be an option but I didn't want gastric bypass I thought it was to invasive and wanted the lap band. After researching for 2 years I decided to have the gastric bypass surgery it was the best thing for me.

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

My insurance (UHC) with Union Pacific RailRoad approved me after 1-2 weeks. They paid 100% for gastric bypass. I had no stress and no problems.

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

My first fist with my surgeon I was nervous. I waited for about 20 mins for him he was with other patients. I think the best thing is to have someone that is supported of your decison to be there to come with you so you can have support and they can ask any qustions that you might have forgotten or did not think about to ask. You can also come with questions that you have written down so you don't forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After reasearching and finding the right Dr. that I felt fit me and understood me and that I was comfortable with I scheduled my surgery. Also I had just been diagnosis a diabetic and was not to happy about this. Needed to do something for my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to seminar and discussed the pro and cons of Lap Band versus the Gastric Bypass with doctor, and family and research and finally decided Gastric was the way to go 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?

Oh I was very scared and very nervous up untill they wheeled me back to the operating room. I guess i felt like I could die if I didn't do something about my weight just more slowly or I can go in and have surgery and live. I choose LIFE. I also think I had a good support system my family backing me 100% and this is very important. I also checked and double checked on the surgeon did he have any deaths, was he on displine with medical board and why and what for. You need to research a ask these diffucult questions because this surgery is not to be taken lightly.

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 was very supportive. They were concerned and asked millions of questions and went to seminars with me. They asked and thought of good questions and I am blessed to have had them with me the whole way.

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

I am very blessed to have a husband who provides for me so I am able to stay home.

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

My stay in the hospital was okay. I had some complications that took a little longer to deal with but the stay and help was great. I had to stay 3 nights and was dischared late in the afternoon on the 4th day. I think a book, your own pillow, tooth brush and tooth paste are things you should bring to the hospital with you.

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

Yes I did have some complications from surgery. I just prayed and the doctors helped with the rest. I had some old blood in my old stomach that I was vomiting up about every 10 mins. My hemoglobian was low and they thought that I might need a blood transfusion. I had to go back to get a EGD test and doctor sucked out all the old blood and my levels went back up and everything was fine after that.

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 scared and nervous. I delt with anxiety by going to a counslor the doctors office makes you see prior to haveing surgery. He helped out greatly learned breathing exercise for me to center myself and relax.

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

I was a little sore for a week only because I had to leave the draining tube in me for an extra week. Usually this is removed before leaving the hospital. But this did not slow me down I was at the mall shopping on the 2nd day home. I walked as much as I could and did get very tired and family but me in wheelchair when I got tired but I would get rested and walk again and continued this until we were done. The faster you get your strength back the faster you will up and moving around.

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

10 miles or so.

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.

You are on a very strict menu right after surgery and it is mostly all protein. Start with egg and jello and water. I did not tolorate egg until 4 months post op that is just me. Everyone is different. I seem to have problems with the yolk I tried hard boiled and could not handle the yolk and got sick. I can not handle chicken it gets stuck even if it is moist. Some people can or can't. I can handle all veggies and fruits. No CARBS at all. Big no no.

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

I was doing everything and wanting to do more. I mopped the kitchen floor the 3rd day home. I have tons of energy and am very active.

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

I take my B-12, two multivitiamin a day, and 1500 calcium chews

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 am experincing hair loss. I don't like it. It bothers me and I am nervous about it. Its suttle not noticable to anyone but me. But they say just eat protein and take vitamins and this will pass.

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

For me the worst part of the surgery was waiting for the surgery. After that it was easy.

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

Our doctors office has a support group every month that meets at the hospital for an 1 1/2 hours. I think this is very helpful and is very important to a succesfull life after surgery.

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

My scars are like little lines no longer than my entire fingernail except were the main tools went in. This is a bit longer and kind of caves in a little but does not bother me at all. I put mederma for healing and it seems to work. I thought the scars were going to be so much worse than what they are I was suprised.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateau that I have experienced since surgery have not been to bad. I continue to stay on the right path and not dwell on the scale. Doctor stated everyone does this and even though we had wls are bodys will do this because it needs to catch up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No I just get comments on how good I look or they didn't recognize me for a second.