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

I had a student nurse on my floor and told her her ID picture was not her and she had, had the surgery! It was amazing the difference!! SO I started checking this out immediatly.

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

It was easy for me. My doctors office submitted the request. The only thing I had to get was a letter from my primary care doc stating that she knew of my struggles with weight and that she supported me in this decision.

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

He made me completly at ease. He did of course stress the seriousness of the surgery and asked many questions. I could tell right off that he cares about his patients and wants the best for him. He is very conservative and I liked that. The fact that he was a Christian was great too. His staff was out of this world and would do anything for you. I would recommend him to anyone.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing the results of my nurse student for one, and reading all the success stories on this web site. I so desperatly wanted to lose the weight and have never been successful. It was time. I was ready. My mind was made up and no matter how much well meaning friends tried to talk me out of it, I was going to do it. I had to, for my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with what my doctor did. He does not do the lap procedure, only open and he gave me his reasons. I figure this man has been doing this for years and is very successful so I left the decision to the expert.

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?

The night before I was in a hotel with my mother. SInce I lived 2.5 hours from the hospital I had to stay in a hotel. I was terrified. I wrote in my journal a letter to my sons in case I should die. It's major surgery and who knows what could happen. But I prayed and form that I was calmed. I knew if I didn't go through with this I would be dead soon from a stroke or heart attack. I HAD to do it. I was also afraid that my life as I knew it would be over. Eating out is a big thing in my life and I was unsure how I would cope with the changes. But you know, I made other things a bigger priority, like living.

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 family was 100% with me. They all voiced their fears but they supported me. I had a few friends who had been nurses longer than I and had seen horror stories of this surgery from long ago. Several of them tried to talk me out of it up to the day before. BUT, they still supported me before during and after.

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

My boss, my nurse manager was fantastic. She even gave me a pair of medium scrubs to keep for when I get smaller. She made sure I would get my "sick pay" while I was out and kept up with me constantly with offers to help. I work at a great place. I told her I wanted this surgery and why and she said, "you go girl". I took 8 weeks off. I had enough sick time to do that plus my work involves heavy lifting of patients and I thought I needed the time.

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

My hospital stay was ok. The nurses where fantastic, I just didn't like being there. I felt claustraphobic being hooked up to so many things. The morphine made me feel horrible. As soon as I would get to sleep ( which was rare ) I would be woken up for blood tests or vitals. I couldn't wait to get home. I stayed 5 days total, 2 days in ICU and 3 days on the floor. Bring tampons!!! I got my period and was not prepared.

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

No complications at all. Thank goodness

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 excited!! But also scared as well. being a nurse you know what "could" happen. But prayer, prayer and more prayer got me through it.

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

Take it easy. I came home and way over did it. I was ready to jump back into life again and you can't. Let others help you!!! My mother and all my friends are lifesavers.

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

I live in Myrtle Beach and traveled to Charleston, 2 1/2 hours away. Same for my after care.

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.

My doc is VERY conservitive. This is one reason I chose him. So for the first 2 weeks I am on full liquids NOTHING ELSE. Once 2 weeks go by I can start on things like junior foods. Low fat, no added sugar. It will be about 8 weeks before I will be able to have a regular meal but I say so what. I am a huge water drinker and get frustrated that I can't tip up a bottle and have at it. My mouth is dry alot but I sip continuously on my water which helps. Also cranberry juice, no sugar added, it gives you fluid and some calories. I am now 7 weeks out and am about sick of the liquids. Since I can have soft food, 2 things that I loved was mushed up mini ravioli (YUM) and chunky vegie soup. Also sugar free fudge pops! Watermelon was also a staple. I couldn't get enough.

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

I am been home from the hospital for 1 full day now and I am beat. It took my amost 4 full weeks to feel anywhere near good. I had never been so weak. But I am now 7 weeks out and am back to normal.

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

I take an adult chewable vit every day, a liquid B complex each day and chew Viactive twice a day.

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?

None yet....will keep you updated I became very nauseated about 2 weeks out. Seems I had too much sinus draingage that irritated my pouch which made me dry heave. I got a Rx from my doc which helped a great deal.

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

The pain

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

Sorry to say I have none where I live, but I am blessed with a fantastic group of supporting friends, wonderful family and a church to beat all others

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

HUGE!!!!! Yes bigger than I thought, oh well

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

7 weeks out and I am losing each week. No plateaus yet.