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

I can't remember, I just thought to myself one day, there has to be something that can help me because I can't help myself. I called my insurance company to see if weight loss surgery was covered. My initial impression of weight loss surgery was surely I am not fat enough to be considered for the surgery.

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

I knew I was fat when....I discussed with my PCP the option of having weight loss surgery and she was excited for me. Involve your PCP and do ask questions from your insurance company.

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

The first visit was a group seminar. It was required before a scheduled appointment with the surgeon. The appointment was very good, however I was embarrassed going into the doctor's office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I attended a few support groups for weight loss, it made me more confused on whether or not to have the surgery. My choice was made because I put it in God's hands to pave the way for me and make everything fall into place and ironically it all fell into place rather quickly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Attending support groups and listening to others experiences.

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 fear complications or dying, but I read books, attending support meetings and discussed with my family the reality. I have a supporting husband and the staff at the hospital were all very positive. Once I committed to the surgery I then became 100 percent committed to making it positive. I felt so positive going into surgery and loved.

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?

Friends did not like the idea. Everyone had something negative to say about it. I did not discuss it with them anymore, I formed my own decisions and opinions.

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

I took time off from work and had no initial reaction from my employer.

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

Yes, it was very informative. That was the starting point for my decision making. The information I received helped me say yes to RNY.

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

I spent one night in the hospital. The most important thing to bring is your CPAP machine if you use one. It helped me feel better anytime I rested I used it. It also helped me to deep breathe.

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

No

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 did have anxiety, because I could not believe this was happening to me. I coped with anxiety by reading over all the surgeons handouts and trying to understand what I was about to endure. I read books from other patients.

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

First few weeks home, I did not need pain medication. I did walk 3 times per day for about 10 minutes. I am thankful I started an exercise routine 5 days before which made my back, arms, legs stronger. I also planned my routine for vitamins and read over and over what was required of me to take and when. I also had plenty of protein available.

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

The hospital was local.

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.

full liquids once I was home. I have not tried regular milk or 2%. I immediately switched to soy milk no sugar added. Some things I could not even bare to taste like my normal toothpaste, so I made sure I switched as much as I could to anticipate my changes. I also only use glass small containers, the plastic ones just made me sick. I did not prefer chocolate protein at all, but now 8 weeks out I love the chocolate.

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

I had no activity level except for 5 days before surgery I could only walk 15 minutes on a treadmill at level 1. That equated to a 90 minute mile average.

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

multivitamin chewable with ADEK iron chewable B complex liquid calcium citrate chewable and calcium citrate liquid B12 shot

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?

No nausea, vomitting, sleep disturbance. I did sleep with plenty of pillows propping me up the first week. I was very cold. I now sleep with a heating pad in my bed. I continue to have cold feet and hands 8 weeks out.

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

The worst part for me has been dealing with and preparing myself for the lack of emotional eating. I didn't realize but now I have so much more time and things to focus on. I self talk myself out of the need for wishing I could just sit down and pig out.

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

I attend weight loss support groups at least once per month. They are very valuable to my health for just the reason to see other people who have gone through what I am going through.

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

I have 5 little incision scars on my stomach. I expected that.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, It is because my confidence level inside and out has increased. I am more outgoing.