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

I had an aunt who decided to have the surgery approx 5 years ago. At first, I thought she was crazy. (Of course I was uneducated about it and cast judgements out of ignorance.) I saw how well she did and was impressed. 3 years ago another aunt was urged to have the surgery by her primary Physician and she did quite well too. Then 2 years ago, my mom had the surgery and WOW! I have a new mother! She is doing things with my kids that she couldn't do with me over the years. AWESOME!!!

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

I have to say that Geisinger's program really took the guesswork out of this part for me. I had called the insurance company to see if it was covered benefit and they gave me a list of requirements. I followed the list and then during the 6 month nutrition counseling sessions, we were required to contact the insurance with precedure codes to find out what specifically the insurance would cover. There have been no surprises and BC/BS has been great thus far!

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

I was impressed with Dr Petrick and his staff. The meeting was very informative and thorough. When going to meet your surgeon, I feel it is best to walk in prepared by having some knowledge of gastric bypass and having a list of questions with you to discuss with the surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being miserable and decided that the only person who was gonna be able to do something about was ME!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I've had successful Lap procedures in the past and have recovered quickly.

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?

The fears are a normal part of facing any surgery, but preparing yourself and following your Dr's orders will make things go as well as possible.

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 has always been very supportive through the entire process.

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

Very supportive... off of work 3 1/2 weeks

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

I was in the hospital for 2 days. My stay was great. I had an excellent crew of nurses who were very supportive and helpful. The only things I brought along was my MP3 player, a book to read, and my toiletries.

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

No complications...I walked approx every 1 1/2 hours after my first time up. It really helps!

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 anxiuosly awaiting the day so that I could get it over with and begin my new journey. I was busy with work and family that I didn't have too much time to worry. I relied on God to take care of me through this surgery.

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

I went home on Friday...rested all weekend....weaned myself off the pain meds and by Monday Morning went walking a mile. I took advantage of the opportunity to take naps and relax in between my walks.

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

2 hours... no effects on aftercare

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.

high protein liquids 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after, then could have eggs and cottage cheese added for the next 2 weeks. the following 2 weeks I was able to add Fish, seafodd, turkey, chicken and tuna. At the 2 month mark, I was released to add fruits, veggies and starches. I try to stick to no more that 5grams per serving of fats and 15 grams per serving of sugars.

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

walking daily.

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

Flinstones Vitamins began at 4 weeks, calcium added at 2 months.

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?

have had no Complications.

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

Having gotten so big that I even needed to consider having it done.

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

I attend a support group in town once a month... It is nice to talk to people who have been through the surgery and offer support to people awaiting or considering the surgery.

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

I have 7 - 1/2inch scars...they have healed wonderfully

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was losing very quickly at first ...as much as 3 lbs a day for the first week, now at 2 months I will lose about a lb every 3 days or so.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes... I have more people talking to me and am not getting stared at like I did when I was at my heaviest.