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

I had heard about it through TV. I thought is was the lazy persons way out. When my PCP said I was a candidate, it changed my way of thinking.

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

My experience was a great. I have no advice for others because I didn't have a hard time.

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

It was very informative. He walked me through the entire process, the risks, the after care, etc. Come prepared. Do some of your own initial research. Ask LOTS of questions and remember, none of them are dumb.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Insurance approval. That was the deciding factor. If they had not approved me, I wouldn't have gone any further. That and the fact that I wanted and needed this tool.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My PCP educated me. He said the Lap-band is good, but because it's so new, the long term affects are not known. With that said, I went the RNY route. I didn't really want a foreign body in me for years to come anyway.

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 had all the fears. The night before surgery I couldn't sleep, I stood over my children's bed, thinking what they would do without me. I held them tight before bed. My husband held me while I cried and then we prayed. If you're having the same fears, it's normal. Even your surgeon will tell you that. He'll tell you you're NOT normal if you don't have some apprehension.

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 WONDERFUL! Most of my friends were supportive. I only ran into one nay-sayer. To heck w/ them. I would not communicate anything differently. My family is still very supportive. They even let me eat off of their plates at restaurants so I don't have to buy a full meal. How sweet is that?

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

My manager was very happy for me. I requested a closed door meeting with her and told her what I was planning on doing. I needed to get my disability information in order. I was off work for 6 weeks. This is longer than normal because I developed a blood clot in my lung one week post-op.

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

My stay was pleasant. The nurses had a very low nurse/patient ratio, so they were there when I needed them. It was on a special ward, so it was quiet and I was allowed to rest. Bring your own tootbrush, lip balm, comb, soap(s), toothpaste, and bathrobe, maybe something to occupy time. Don't worry about pretty pajamas. You could get them messed up, and the nurses/doctors need to have easy access to you to check up on you.

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

I developed a blood clot in my lung (PE) one week post op. I had symptoms of something, called my surgeon, he directed me to the ER. I went in, they ran tests and discovered it w/ a CT Scan. The symptoms I was having were NOT related to the PE. But, had I not listened to my body...

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

Anxious, nervous, not able to sleep. One night I layed my head on my hubby's chest, just so I could be lulled to sleep by the sound of his heart beating. I was fine during the day, it was at night when I couldn't get my brain to shut down that I had the most problem.

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

Expect to be VERY tired! But, push yourself to get up and move so you don't get the PE I had.

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

Maybe 5 miles. The hospital is in the town I live in.

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 eat A LOT of chicken. I haven't tolerated steamed rice and pork chops. Chilie is a good option. It's easy to chew and high in protein and flavor. I keep sweets off limits. I've tried one bite of things and they are WAY too sweet. No sodas. I've tolerated most foods as long as I eat slowly and chew well.

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

Activity level was limited to what HAD to be done in the weeks after surgery. I am gradually getting more energy and able to do more tasks.

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

Calcium 2x day, One-a-day vitamin 2x/day, B12 1x/day, b50 1xday.

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 haven't experienced any disturbing side effects. The side effects I have had, I bring on myself by eating too much too fast.

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

The itching around my incisions. Losing weight and being between sizes in clothes.

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

Family and OH.

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

I have 6 1" scars. They are still red, but are fading. Small price to pay.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stopped losing for a few days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.