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

I first heard about in a TV guide advertisment many years ago before I had any need 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 was approved the first time, but was very nerve racking to have all my appointments done and a surgery date set and having the approval coming in at the last minute. Maybe getting the approval BEFORE the date is set will be less stressful.

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

I had worked all night and was extremely tired, I didnt know what to expect but had entered all the paperwork and went to all the pre-visit appointments required. I had no idea I still need HIS approval for the surgery. After it was over and I had some sleep; I was glad to know he wouldnt have taken me on as a patient if he had any doubts I would survive and do well afterwards.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was procrasting as usual getting all the paperwork turned in to his office and his staff would call me regularily to remind me what I still needed to do. Plus a couple of my co-workers had the surgery and were do well and had no complaints.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Rou En Y because my doctor believes it is the "Gold Standard" and also because it is permanent. I chose to change my life, not "try it to see if I like it" This is IT for me; also every single doctor I have spoken to has had a different opinion of which surgery is best and do I know the side effects. I stopped listening to them or anyone who had an opinion other than myself. I cannot guarantee I am making the perfect choice, but it is mine to make and I did the research and trust my surgeon.

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 have the same exact fear, it has stopped me dead in my tracks for years, but I waited until not having the surgery is worse than having it. Dont go down that road, fear is the killer not the surgery and this website has made the journey easier. I recommend coming to it as much as possible and get to know others as ask questions. I woke up this morning with dread in my heart the day before my sugery only to check my email and have about a dozen people I dont know wish me well and tell me they are praying for me. How can I fail or even die with that kind of encouragement behind me. It brought tears to my eyes and my heart swelled with joy and calmness.

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?

At first when I talked about it years ago, it was "you dont need surgery, diet and exercise is all you need". Then when I told my co-workers I was going to have the surgery everyone jumped in with negative comments becuase "they only care about me". Now since the know I am going thru with it I got alot more support and well wishes, but I am sure they are just waiting to see if I fail. When my husband told his co-workers and friends about my upcoming surgery, he came home with negative thoughts and told me he liked me just as I am. I finally had to get MAD and then everyone left me alone to do as I will. My mother is very supportive and agrees if it will help me then I should do it. She gives me strength when I need it most. My children worry, but I told them I want them to go on with their lives and it is just another thing that I need to do. If it causes my death, then I chose the day of my death and I would rather die trying then waiting for my poor health to get me.

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

Another co-worker had the surgery before me and was out 3 weeks since our job we sit for up to 12 hrs at a time. I scheduled 3 weeks as a precaution and if I am able I will return to work sooner I will. I dont know how I will feel, I am so used to being tired and wore out all the time. Feeling good will be something I will have to get used to. I took FMLA for my time off so my employer has no say about whether or not I take time off or not. This is necessary in order for me to live; no job will dictate how long I should live.

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

I was in Santa Rosa Medical Center for 2 days. The MOST important thing you can bring is someone who will spend the night with you and help you get out of bed and walk, wake you and make sure you get your pain shots and do your breathing exercises. I did not have someone spend the night the first night and would have had alot less pain and discomfort if I had. The hospital provides everything you need and make sure there is a clock in your room.

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

I was in a great deal of pain from the moment I woke up in my room. They do not have you hooked up to anytype of pain management and you must ask for the shot to be given to you. They explained it was necessary to make sure you are not to grogy when it is time for you to walk in the hallways every two hours.

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 had nightmares, doubts and did nothing but eat all the wrong foods in order to "Say Goodbye" to certain types of food. My surgery date was at least 6 weeks out when they scheduled it, so the last two weeks I had gotten over all my food hangups and felt better about having it done. This web site really helped me when I was down and depressed and scared.

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

After I got home I was tired alot and had trouble getting enough water down and the shakes are the worst. I had them before the surgery and liked them very well; after the surgery was unable to tolerate them. GNC has a soy shake with 25 gms of protein in it that somes in banana and cookies and cream flavors besides the standard choc, vanilla and strawberry. It doesnt get thick like most of the shakes but has been hard for me to get down becuase everything to me is unappealing. You will notice what you liked before you will not want to eat and it is trial and error to see what will go down and what will not.

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

approx 15 miles and had little effect on my aftercare.

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

I walked around the yard at first several times a day and when I started driving in about a week I walked at the stores also parked far away from where I was shopping to make myself walk even more. after about 10 days I started going to the gym at work walking on the treadmill mainly due to several long days of rain. I enjoy going to the gym and look forward to walking at least 15 mins and riding the bike for 5 or 10 mins.

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

GNC Ultra Mega DO NOT CRUSH IT tastes like tree bark if you do

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?

Alot of nausia no vomiting and the pain medication kept me awake some times. I am only at week 3 so my hair is still with me so far but I did invest in a hat just in case.

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

The lack of pain medication after surgery. The nurses told me it was better to have shots so I would not be grogy while I walked around. The drain felt like it was up under my ribs and that made it feel like my ribs were broken for about a week afterwards.

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

Dr Althar has a bariatric support group that meets last tuesday of each month. I have been to 3 meeting and learn something new each time. I feel it really helps to connect with people who have had the same surgery

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

It is very small and there are 5 of them. I didnt exspect the staples and they hurt when removed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel like I am no longer invisable to strangers when I go out to the store and my co workers seem surprised at my progress and have been told they didnt realize I was pretty.