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

About a 1 1/2 years ago a co worker had told me that she had the surgery and she got me interested in it.

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

I would have to say that it took me a long time, due to the fact that the first surgeon that I went to had all my information for 8 months and never did anything with it. I then went to Dr De La Torre back in Feb. They sent everything off to my insurance right away. After not hearing anything for a while I contacted my insurance, they had not made a decision but they esculated it due to the fact I should have gotten an answer. By the end of May it was approved, on June 11 I had my orientation and my surgery dated of July 2.

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

It was very brief. I had spend the whole day in orientation and then got to meet him at the end of the day once he was completed with his surgeries.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The need results and all the possiblities.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I new that I wanted the gastric because I could not see myself putting anything in my body. In addition my insurance would only cover one lap band adjustment.

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 did not have any fears. I just knew that everything would be alright. The only thing that I did not like is that my friends only told me about the good stuff. They did not perpare me for anything of the after stuff that I would be dealing with.

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 husband was upset but it was because he was very worried about me. Now he is very supportive and always worried about me eating the right things.

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

NA

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

I hated the stay. I found the that nurses were not very helpful at all.

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

yes I got a infection in my intestines and had to go back into the hospital.

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 ready to get started with my new life.

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

I was in a lot of pain. I am still really tired. I did go back to work sooner then I should have, but that is because I need to make money.

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

About 30 mins

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.

During the first week after, I could only have liquids. Right now I am in Phase 2 and I will be in this phase until I think Aug 5th. In this phase I can only eat soft solids. Things like mash potatoes, soups, yogurt, scrabbled eggs, etc.

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

It is getting better, just get very tired easily. Just can not lift anything over 25 lbs.

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

I have to take a multi vitamin, B12, B1, Calcium Citrate, etc.

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?

I would have to say the nausea. When I get really tired I get nausea. I am 3 weeks post op and still getting nausea.

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

The drain removal was the worst for me. My side is still hurting a little bit and it was really hard to move around or get comfortible for a while.

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

Well I just joined this group and of course I have my husband and co workers.

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

My scar are becoming very light. I have 6 scars in total but I think they will go away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now I am not losing much weight but I am losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people are very excited for me, while others act jealious