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

A friends daughter had it done and I heard about the things she went through and how her life has changed.

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

I had been pre-cert before my first appointment with Fresh Start Bariatris. After my pre-requi. were done, the papers were filed with Aetna and less than one day I was approved for the surgery.

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

I actually did not meet the surgeon until my pre-op visit (except at the information seminar). I dealt with his staff and the intern he had. But my meeting with him was the most thorough doctors visit I have ever had.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My diabetes was getting worse, my right hip joint was deteriorating and I had one last try at weight watchers and finally said enough is enough. So I made my appointment to go to the seminar.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I always was sure that I wanted to have RNY. The lap band just seemed like there was too much upkeep on it (having to go for fills) and the possible slippage, deteriorating and needing to be replaced. I also needed to know that this was permanent.

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 did not have any fears of complications or dying because there are so many complications to having diabetes, high cholesterol that they were my fears. I also knew that GOD was with me through it all.

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 of this. My husband was concerned about the possible complications, but in the long run he knew it was for the best.

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

I work for my father-in-law, so there were also no problems getting time off work. I had surgery on 01-10-07 and went back to work on 01-22-07. I would have been back before that, but I could not drive.

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

My hospital stay was very good. The nursing staff was great. I was in the hospital for 2-1/2 days. The most important things to bring to the hospital are hair accessories, chap stick (lips get really dry), the hospital supplies the rest.

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

I have not had any 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?

I only had 2 weeks before surgery. I was more excited than I had anxiety.

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

I had a easy time of it. I did not have to take pain meds except the night I got home and the following night. That was it. People should know that it is difficult to get in all your protein and vitamin suppliments. Some days it does not happen and that is ok, just do better the next day.

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

I had to go about 70 miles from home to the hospital, but my surgeon has two offices. One in my home town and the other in the city where the hospital is. I do all my aftercare in my hometown.

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 program that my doctor put me on is alot different from other doctors. I was on clear liquids in the hospital. Full liquids for 3 weeks, pureed for 3 weeks, soft foods for 3 weeks and finally reg foods as tolerated. The things that I can't tolerate is very little. I have not tried sugar and I try to stay away from deep fried foods.

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

The doctor wants you to walk every 2 hours after surgery even when you get home. The exercise program starts at 3 weeks.

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

My doctor has me on a daily viti, calcium (4x a day), biotin, 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?

I have not had alot of side effects but the ones I have are sleep disturbaces ( but I had them before surgery) and I am losing some hair. My favorite saying is "this too shall pass" and it gets me through alot.

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

So far the worst part is people that think that they know what you are going through, but they really have no idea.

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

Dr. Myers has a support group in my hometown that meets twice a month. The ladies in the group decided to meet 2x a month. Most groups only meet once a month, but we have decided that we like to meet with each other and give more support to each other. It is really the most enjoyable times for us.

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

I have 6 small scars. My doctor has injected them twice to get them to lay a little flatter. I don't think that they are that bad considering I had to have them reopened when I had my gallbladder taken out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at about 8 months out. It lasted about 6 weeks then finally it broke. I have to admit that I did not handle it very well. I got upset with myself thinking I did something wrong even though I know I was following the doctors orders.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have had alot of people not recognize me. But most people who have seen me through the process have not changed the way they treat me. I refuse to be around people with bad attitudes even before surgery.