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

Like I said it was recommended to me 10 years ago by my family doctor, but I was to scared and immature to make the appropiate lifestyle changes. I've always thought about it and when I had gained 100lbs in that ten years I figured it was time to do something about it.

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

Luckily I live in Canada where this type of surgery is covered. Unfortuneately I really cant offer any advice. SORRY

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

The first visit was scary! He laid it out on the line for me and it scared me a bit. However he was just being honest. The only regret I had at that visit was not having all my questions written out, definately be prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery when I was told that if I didn't that I would be dead in 10 yrs. I have two wonderful kids that I need to be here for.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That decision was more or less made for me. My surgeon felt that due to excessive amount of weight I had to lose that the open RNY would be the best.

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 really wasn't fearful of the surgery because I'm a registered nurse, I knew what I needed to do to have a safe and speedy recovery. My advice: the minute that you are allowed to get up DO IT!!! keep moving that helps loosen secretions in your chest, use the incentive spirometer that helps decrease your risk for pneumonia, and walk alot , that promotes blood flow which in turn will promote healing.

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 is the best in the world and were so supportive. They are still supportive today. God bless them.

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

My employer was thrilled because I was missing quite a bit of work because of my health. I was off of work about 6 wks.

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

I had surgery (open RNY) on Monday at 11:30 a.m. and was discharged Wednesday night the same week. It is very important to follow the advice of your physician and the nurse, walk alot do deep breathing and coughing exercises and don't smoke. Bring comfortable clothes and slip on shoes.!!!

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

I developed a seroma 3 wks. post-op, which had to be opened to drain, cleansed and irrigated with normal saline then packed with saline soaked sterile gauze. All of which was entirely painless. It lasted approx. 1 month. I did get frustrated at times but I have to say even if that was a side effect of surgery and I knew that it would happen I would still do it again.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

No anxiety just excitement and anticipation. In Canada you usually have to wait at least 1 year before surgery so you have alot of time to research and get used to the idea.

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

I sort of felt useless! your not allowed to do certain activities or do any lifting. I did find that I was very nervous about dehisence of my suture line. Just take it easy!

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

I live in Windsor and I had surgery in Toronto, approx. 5 hours away. so I followed up with my family physician and then went to Toronto for my post-op visit once.

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.

I was on a liquid diet when I came home (full fluids) for approx. 3-4wks. then I went to a soft diet for approx. 4 wks. Iwas then able to eat pureed food that lasted for about 2 wks. I am now able to eat anything as long as it is sugar free and low fat because I get dumping syndrome. I still have a difficult time with pasta and rice, I usually get sick unless it is cooked very well. I do have a difficult time digesting eggs if I get them from a restaurant but I can eat home cooked ones well.

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

I was tired for about the first 2 weeks, but then my energy level slowly increased and then surpassed my levels prior to surgery.

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

I take a multi vitamin once per day, calcium 3x/day, iron 3x/day, and I drink a protein drink 3x/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?

The dumping is something I still get from sugar, I just started with the hair loss and it's not excessive. No nauseaor vomitting unless I eat to fast or to much.

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

I have no regrets.

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

no aftercare support groups in Windsor as of yet.

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

It isn't as bad as I thought it would be except it is keloided in certain parts. But no big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has only been 4 months since surgery and I haven't reached a plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Family and friends no, but I notice strangers don't stare as much anymore.