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

I had friends who had it done. At first it seemed like a weak person's route. But this is only a tool. You still have to have the willpower to succeed.

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

OMG!!! In 2000, my PCP recommended the surgery. I was told to see the dietician, enroll in an approved weight loss program and wait 18 months. I did all that. At the end of the 18 months, my PCP called to schedule me with a surgeon and my insurance company said they had changed the rules and I would have to start over again. I began their new 18 month program but wrote an appeal letter to get the program shortened. The letter failed, so I asked for a hearing and was granted a 12 month program. It was a long, hard, disappointing (at times) battle. But worth it. Their new program is much more comprehensive and includes a 12 week therapy program that I believe will prove to be instrumental in my success.

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

My first visit was a group visit (presentation) with several other patients followed by a brief one-on-one. Bring a list of questions with you. If they are not answered during the presentation, ask! The Dr. is your employee in this situation.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of beating my head against the wall trying to lose weight just to have it come right back again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance will only pay for RNY. That pretty much narrowed it down 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?

I talked frankly with the surgeon and the bariatric nurse about the death rates. I was told that out of the hundreds of surgeries performed here they were aware of only two deaths. Both were from blood clots that formed at home during recovery and neither patient was walking as they had been told.

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?

Several were afraid for me. Some of them I maybe wouldn't have told if I had it to do over because they were overly concerned about the risks. But since I have recovered so well and the weight is coming off they are all very supportive.

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

My employer has been great. I was only "out" 6 days. They arranged for me to work from home for a couple of weeks during my recovery.

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

My stay was right at 48 hours. The hospital and it's staff were wonderful (with the exception of one night nurse). It really was like staying in a hotel, with room service and everything. It was as pleasant as any post surgery stay could be. My most valuable item I brought was LOTION! I took along magazines and books but was too drugged or tired to read. I also took a couple of DVD's but didn't find the time to watch them. Next time, I will forget the books and DVD's and just bring along a TV Guide.

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

It was a breeze. I also had my gallbladder out and the soreness I experienced mostly came from that procedure. The only "problem" was the narcotic pain killer they sent me home with reacted a bit with one of my other meds and I had hallucinations. Not scary ones, really, more like an episode of Telletubbies.

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 excited, hopeful and scared to death. I just didn't tell anyone about the last one.

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

I was a lot more tired than I expected to be. It took several weeks before I got my energy level back to something close to normal. I have never been one to take naps but I cherished those afternoons piled up in the bed with lots of pillows to dream on.

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

30 miles. But we chose to live outside "the city" so everything is about that far. It's not all that far from where I work, so follow up visits can be done on my lunch hour.

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 only thing that has given me real trouble so far is beef. What I wouldn't do right now for a bite of prime rib!!! I have found that I cannot eat and carry on a conversation anymore. It causes me to eat too quickly and not chew well enough. I tend to swallow things to quickly to keep from talking with food in my mouth. So I am learning to pause to contemplate other's comments before responding. People think I am very thoughtful and deep now.

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

Activity? Not for the first few weeks. I walked daily, but mostly just around the house or yard. I was really weak and tired. I am now back to work where I walk a lot more and am working diligently on construction projects around the house. So my activity level is much higher now.

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

Prima-care prenatal vitamins (huge and expensive), OTC Super B Complex from Wal-mart, and a B-12 injection monthly.

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?

The more weight I lose, the less I sleep. I'm getting a lot more done now.

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

Trying to keep my mother-in-law from feeding me!

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

The Clarian Bariatric Center provides group support meetings, exercise and cooking classes. But the biggest help so far is the online message boards.

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

I have several 1/4" pink spots and one 2" thin scar right at my waist that is currently hidden between rolls.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I sometimes sit at the same weight for a couple of days then all at once drop two pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people who never spoke to me before are talking to me. I have had more men open doors for me than I can ever remember.