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

My mom had it years ago and had major complications. She didnt follow it properly plus had other health problems. I was afraid of it until I started researching it on my own.

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

The paperwork process was easy, my pcp did it. I was approved the first time. I would recommend others to stay on top of the process and call alot to find out where you are in the process. Get patient assistance to help if necessary.

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

It was wonderful. Dr.Fisher is fantastic. But they are serious about losing 10% of your weight prior to surgery. Keep a journal of everything you are eating, start losing right away, show your surgeon you are committed to making a change.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My brother died of obesity at age 34. My husband has had two heart attacks before age 40,and he was not morbidly obese. We have 5 children and I wanted to lose weight before I had diabites or heart problems too. Plus, Im uncomfortable, Im in pain, I cant sleep well, I dont like how I look and I want to be around to see my 5 year old grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Kaiser only does RNY-open.

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 co-workers are very supportive. My family a little hesitant,they aree worried about complications. I tell everyone !!! I haven't had surgery until August 19,2003

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

Fantastic, very supportive. They have followed my progress, cheered for me and sympathized when I became impatient. They were very flexible with time off. I tell them everything. I hope to be out only 3 weeks.

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

My hospital stay wasnt the best. While I really respected the bariatric staff, my hospital stay was uncomfortable. The noise from the staff in the hallways was very disturbing and they never came in and cleaned my room the whole time I was there.

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

Not yet

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 a bundle of nerves. The surgery was always on my mind. I coped by talking to my co workers and chatting on ObesityHelp

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

I was in alot of discomfort, but was able to stop the pain meds after one week and just take tylenol. Not being able to shower was difficult, my husband had to wash my hair and give me sponge baths the first week and a half. For the first time in my life, I could not clean myself after a bowel movement and had to have my teenage daughter or husband do it-I was humiliated and cried. At two and a half weeks post op, I still cant sleep in bed, I sleep in my recliner. Also, even though not physically hungry, I had to deal with head hunger watching others eat.

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

Zip. I didnt want to do anything at first. But now at two and a half weeks my energy level is definitely picking up. Im off work for one more week though.

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

Multivitamin Sublingual Vitamin B12 Calcium(chewable)

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 havent had any nausea vomiting dumping ect. The only really discomfort is real bad gas pains. I took gasX.

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

I use ObesityHelp as my support group, but kaiser does have support groups I just havent gone to them yet

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

Exactly 5 inches from bra line to mid tummy. Its thin and seems like it will fade nicely. Yes it is what I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet