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

At first I thought, what a drastic measure, I dont know if I could do this, but as I researched and researched the more I learned about the great benefits of it and also the downside to it.

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

Well I am partially deaf and on SS Disability so I have Medicare/Medicaid and Medicare will pay for 80% of this surgery and the other 20 % I will worry about when the bills start rolling in. But I think you should be persistant, never give up and hound the hell out of the insurance company and dont take no for an answer

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

My first visit with him was very good. He was very friendly, very informative and very well versed on you and your file. You can get the most out of this by asking all of your questions, no matter how trivial you may think they are. Update: I no longer endorse this surgeon nor will I ever recommend him to anyone else again. While he worked wonders for me, he did not for a family member.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health problems, high blood pressure and watching my fathers battle with diabetes and what it has taken from him and knowing I am predisposed to this condition and even more so because of my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Open RNY was the choice for me I felt would have the best results

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 had a fear of dying and leaving my children without a mother but as got closer to my surgery date and got all my affairs in order. I was ok with it. I made my peace, wrote out my will, left letters for my loved ones etc. Anyone who has fears like this, its normal, this is a major surgery and with any surgery it has its complications. Just follow your doctors instructions to the letter and all will be fine

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 very supportive. I only told a few close friends. I kept them well informed of everything and they are with me all the way for this journey.

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

I was in for 3 days and it was a good stay. My nurses were the best and very attentive and helpful. I found for the most part I brought too much. Best thing to do is bring a pair of slippers, your toiletries and wear the johnny coats they give you, they are actually more comfortable and make moving around easier.

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 felt pretty good and so far no anxiety

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

Sleep in a recliner if you can, sip, walk, sip ,walk and you may experience a little bit of "OMG!!! WTF Did I do to myself" a little bit of buyers remorse but that passes and I cant stress the importance of protein and vitamins, you will need them for the rest of your life. Follow your surgeons orders

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 cant tolerate milk but other than that, I can eat just about anything. I am just careful with what that "anything" is lol

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

I have an awesome website that not offers great protein but also a fantastic support board. http://www.bariatriceating.com/ http://www.beforeandafterhelp.com/ The lady who owns this company is phenomenal and her products are top notch. Give it a shot. The support is one of the best out there, not only for pre op, post op but also if you have personal issues, its like having a second family.

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?

some hair loss, a couple of dumping episodes, couple of vomiting episodes but other than that. Pretty smooth sailing for me

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

The healing from the actual surgery

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

I have an awesome website that not offers great protein but also a fantastic support board. http://www.bariatriceating.com/ http://www.beforeandafterhelp.com/ The lady who owns this company is phenomenal and her products are top notch. Give it a shot. The support is one of the best out there, not only for pre op, post op but also if you have personal issues, its like having a second family.

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

Its pretty much faded after 4 years

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

While I am still losing I seem to hit longer plateaus now but thats ok. I am very happy with where I am at and all of a sudden one day the scale will move and I will lose anywhere from 4-7lbs lol

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nah not really