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

Our nephews girlfriend had it done. I started researching and reading everything i could about it.

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

Make sure you find out what they require. This way you are prepared. Take notes and names ,times you called ete.. Keep details of all correspondence with them and your surgeons office. If one rep sounds against call back and get another rep. The reps that are knowledgeable are the ones you want to speak to.

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

I was amazed at how blue his eyes were and how young he was. I went home and did research on him. I found him to be knowledgeable and realistic. He has a good sense of humor and is not stuffy and not superfacial. He seems to care and doesnt rush you along... He is very professional and I am glad he is my surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be healthy and live the rest of my life healthier and happy.I found out while getting blood tests for WLS that I have Hep c so I have to lose 45 % of my body weight fast. I have to go through Hep c treatments which are not affective on obese people.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was going to do the RNY because it was more restrictive than Lapband.But once diagnosed with Hep C my doctor refused to let me do it .He would only let me do lapband because of the reversibility and the less complication factor. Plus my husband was afraid I would be that one that would die from RNY surgery.

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 confidence in my surgical team. I knew I was also in Gods hands. He brought me through the surgery and has inspired me to go on..... I think anyne having thoughts about surgery should have alot of faith in thier surgeon. They should do all the research to make sure that what they decide is right for them. They need to follow the pre op and post op rules to the 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?

My mother bless her heart is proud of me. My son is proud of me. My brother is alittle skeptical . He wants to see results before making judgement. My husband isnt sure it will work. When i dont have restriction I can eat. So he is also skeptical. When he sees the difference and weight lose more he will change his mind.

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

A few are supportive and hope for the best for me. Some dont really care. They knew I was researching it for a couple of years. When it came time I think they didnt think I would actually go through with it. I was out of work for 2 weeks because of how long I am on my feet, and how much bending and lifting I do.

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

I brough slippers ,bathrobe, magazine,toothbrush,toothpaste,brush,cpap machine,lip balm,underwear,a lounge dress for going home, and my cell phone for long distance calls and my pillow ,and breathing apperatus.

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

None only that i had to be intabated awake. It took 45 minutes. The surgeon finally said something and they ended up shoving the tube down my throat and past that puking spot in throat.They had needle hangingg in my arm while they were trying to intabate so they could knock me out as soon as possible. I was crying and it hurt. Surgery was delayed by an hour so the stuff they had me "smoke" inhale wore off. It was scary.

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 happy and couldn't wait to get it over with. It seemed like a long road finally comeing to the end. I went and ate everything I felt I would not be able to have anymore.

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

I was sore, Like I did a hundred or so sit ups. I had to use a pillow to get up off the bed or couch. I was also hungry after a few days. But the qworst was in my sleep trying to roll over. I was sore. Took a few weeks to do.

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

It was only a 25 minute ride down 95. Very easy to get to and not really far.

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 am about 5 months out. My first fill I could not eat red meat ,french fries,pasta,rice,some breads. Then after the restriction went away I was able to eat everything in moderation. 2nd fill I couldnt eat chinese food and all the above along with chicken, ribs,hambergers,and fiborous stuff,,third fill, I can only eat small amounts of food. I cannot tolorate bread,pasta,rice,potatoes unless mashed or soft, I can eat some meats as long as i make moist and cut very small and chew and take my time eating. I have to stop after a bite and wait then take another bite. I go back in November for evaluation... I have to sip my water or it will come back up.

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

I was not able to start exercising right away. I started about 2 weeks ago. I walk the dog and I use an ab chair for sit ups and I also use weights. I have a Tony Little Giselle like a sking machine. I have it put away right now but once i am alittle more limber will set it up and use it. I find i feel great after exercising. I also try to do things at work to exercise,like moving my arms in windmills and twisting and touching toes and doing streches.

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

I take a green tea multi, B12,B6,Biotin,Cinnimin,calcium,milk thistle, grape seed,chromium,folic acid. after fills I do a chewable multi and calcium, when i go back to solids i start my regimin again.

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?

sliming if I dont eat slow and chew well and reflux stink but i take Prilosec now. It helps alot. I dont like to get the golfball feeling it can take a good half hour to go away. I have minimul hair loss.

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

The barium xray and the the intabation.... The rest was a breeze... LOL...

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

I see my surgeon every month at the JFF bariatric wellness center. There i also see the therepist and nutritionist at each visit. I also go to the once a month support group meetings put on by the center and the therepist and bariatric RN. I like the way they seem to really care for you as a person. They really want to helo with this disease of obesity. I like the attention they give me. And the encouragement.Even when you dont edo well they pick you up and make you want to try harder.

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

I foresee down the road they will hardly be noticable. To me they are a reminder of ths journey.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After second fill i only lost 1 pound. It was disappointing but I was optimistic. Knew i needed another fill.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

To soon.. Some say they notice.