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

I first heard about it from a co-worker that had the RNY surgery about two years prior too. My initial impressions were that that it wouldn't work for me, but it was certainly something I kept at the back of my mind for several years until I finally decided to actively pursue it.

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

I didn't have any problems with my insurance approving my surgery. I did my research to see what their requirements were and ensured my Doctor was fully aware. So by the time we were ready to get the insurance involved in the process all the requirements had already been met.

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

Your first meeting all depends on the Doctor, in my opinion. Some are easy to talk to and ask questions. The first surgeon I spoke with, was too eager to slice and run, he didn't like conversation and didn't bother to even sit down to discuss anything. Everything was rushed! I got rid of him after the initial visit. The second Dr. I met was wonderful. We sat in his office and discussed on my concerns, and I had plenty. Then he invited my significant other in to discuss any concerns he had, and explained how his support would be needed. For those getting ready for their first meeting - Write down all your questions/concerns, even those you have previously did research on. You will wont the answers from your Doctor's mouth.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Doctor's had explained all my options and the trouble I would be dealing with if I didn't do something now. I meet people that had all the ailments that he mentioned, and I decided I didn't want to experience those.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only considered two; the RNY and the lap-band...I choose the RNY because I didn't want to have to continue with all the visits for adjustments with the band...plus I don't like foreign objects in my body. I felt that would drive me crazy after a while.

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?

We all are going to die from something, so I didn't allow myself to believe that since I was trying to improve my health that there was no way I was going to die now. My fears were replaced with my prayers for success.

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 didn't tell many people - since I knew some would be negative. I waited till the surgery was over, and the weight started coming off. Then I told them, it was a little late for them to be mad or be non-supportive.

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

I didn't tell my emplorer anything...there was no need. I used my personal leave for the 3 weeks I was away from work.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes indeed...there was so much information provided. They went over everything with us, and would not leave until we all felt comfortable and all our questions were answered. My surgeon was at this seminar as well - it was well worth the drive, as I lived about an hour from my Doctor and the hospital.

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

Well, I never cared much for hospitals...but most of the employees were a joy to deal with. There was always a lot going on but they made it easier to deal with. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days, as I had some minor complications after the surgery. Bring your personals items, to include a robe - since you will need to walk, walk, walk.

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

Yes, I had a blockage in my pouch that caused some vomiting for a few days after surgery. But, again the hospital staff made me feel as comfortable as possible.

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 a nervous wreck...I was scared, excited and nervous all at once. I did a lot of mediation, and praying during this time..and talking to people on obesity-help.com

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

To be sore and not feel like eating. But, you have to make yourself get as much liquid, protein, and water in as possible. You also need to stay active. But you wont want to do any of these things...but you have to.

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

I had to travel about 65 miles one-way for my surgery. This did not impact my aftercare, as the Doctor's office worked with me for early or very late appointments to beat the traffic.

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.

Well immediately after surgery, I was on just liquids, pop cycles, jello, grits....A few weeks later I was graduated to soft foods, and then to solid foods after 6 weeks. Off-limit foods include: bread, rice, pasta, fried foods, sugary foods, etc. My dietary tolerance didn't change much during the first several weeks, I was months out before I noticed any changes. I started experimenting with new foods about 4 months out, very little servings to see how my body would react. If the reaction was positive the food stayed, if it didn't it got tossed or donated. I am now a year post-op, and I am still experimenting.

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

Days after surgery - I just walked...maybe a block or so, as I was still quite dizzy when I got up. As the weeks/months started disappearing I was able to increase my activites, my walks got longer. After, 8 weeks I was cleared to start lifting weights for strength training.

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

I take multi-vitamins, calcium, iron, B-complex. I also take magnesium and vitamin B-12.

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?

Nausea and hair loss were the worse for me. I had a major problem finding protein that I could tolerate. Nausea persisted sporadically for about two months following surgery. Hair loss started about 3 months post-op and stop about 2 months later. My hair has since fully recovered with no noticeable problems.

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

Pain management was an issue for me, as I had a problem with the side effects of most the drugs prescribed. Once I was able to get the nausea under control, I just kept walking around inside my house to elevate the pain quicker.

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

I haven't attended any aftercare support groups in person due the distance and scheduling of them with my work hours.

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

I have no huge scars. I have little bumps (3) were the devices were inserted...but nothing noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None...I have been continuously losing weight since my surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my goodness yes! You are treated a lot better has a smaller person. I was amazed at who speaks and carries on conversations with me now, that never said anything to me before.