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

I heard of it through others that knew people that had had it. I cherished the thought of one day doing it myself. I always felt that if I had it done I would be the one failure at it. I was right actually. I have gained back 47 lbs and never did get to goal.

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

At the time of my surgery had no problem getting the approval. I believe I had United Healthcare

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

It wasn't too bad. Just be up front with the physician and tell him what you expect and want from the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt the RNY was the best

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 no fear of dying. I felt in my heart I would be ok. I knew God was on my side and would be with me through it. Had a supportive husband and son. They were concerned, but I wasn't

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?

I wouldn't have done it differently. I am considering a revision at this time. My friends and family were concerned and felt I shouldn't have it done. My family was very supportive. My husband was my best support and help, but he died little over a year after my surgery. Thats when I began going down hill. I told everyone I would do it again if I had to. The weight loss was wonderful and I felt good about myself. Not so now.

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

I was out of work for about 8 wks. They never said one way or other.

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

My stay in hospital was great. I had wonderful staff to get me through the hardest times. You spend lots of time resting. Not a lot to bring. A robe and slippers is most important because you walk around alot.

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

No complications, until later on down the road, had a hernia repair.

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 very excited and anticipating my date with the surgeon.

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

That wasn't pleasant. I had tubes coming out of my stomach area. That was a pain in the behind. Could barely eat anything and at times forgot to eat. My husband would have to ask me if I ate that day. I had a cough after surgery. I do believe that it caused the hernia.

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

About 45 miles. Didn't affect my care at all.

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 couldn't eat much of anything actually. I am very leary of sweets, I do dump often and get so sick you want to die. It's not always from sweets either. Just depends on the texture of the food. Chicken has always been a bad one as far as getting stuck feeling in my stomach area. Fish, pork are the easiest to eat. Milk gives me diarrhea. When I have to have a BM I have to go right then or else I mess my pants. Yuk! that happens more often than I want it to. Most embarrassing moments. Tolerance got easier after about 6 months. I am still not able to eat some foods. I have to throw them up. One is rice. It seems to not go down right. End up making myself throw it up to relieve the uncomfortable feeling.

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

Beginning was very slow. I began to walk soon after but lost motivation when husband became very ill and died.

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

I take B12 and multivitamin daily

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?

Hair loss was tremendous. Dumping was very very bad. My hair has grown back somewhat, but dumping feeling still takes place . coping with the hair loss was ok, but the dumping and messing my pants is still a very embarrassing thing for me.

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

The diarrhea. The surgery I had no problem with. The hernia repair was more painful than the gastric bypass. Didn't feel alot of pain from the actual surgery. I have a high pain tolerance, so that helped. But I really didn't feel bad at all with the incision.

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

I went to a support group but it was far away from me. It happened to be winter when I had my surgery so was hard for me to get to the support group and finally I just stopped going. The support groups are very important, but unfortunately there are not enough of them or close enough to many people.

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

I have a very large scar on my abdomen. Yes, I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on a plateau for 3 years or more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people don't stare as they used to. Even at gaining 47 lbs back they still treat me ok.