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

My regular doctor discussed it with me and suggested I have it done. After looking into it and talking to several people I decided it was something that I had to do. My family's medical history is not to good and I wanted to be around for my daughter and possible grandchildren.

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

When I first applied for insurance they took several weeks before they denined coverage for the surgery. Their reasoning was that I had not 'been under' a doctors care for a year. I was very upset and disappointed. Even so I started going to my doctor every month to get weighed. After about 6 months I decided to appeal to my insurance by writing a letter stating why I should have this surgery along with details of my family's medical history. I also pointed out to them how much they would save if I did not have to take all my medication. My doctor updated his information. It took about 2-3 weeks before they finally got my paperwork to the review board but once there it was approved in less than a week!! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. When I called my doctor and they received the notice from my insurance company they called me on a Friday and wanted to know if I was ready to have it done the next Monday! I was so surprised I could not talk but I had things coming up that I could not get out of so it was scheduled for the following Tuesday. The thing I would suggest for someone that get denined is to do what your insurance wants at least a while and then write a very good appeal letter stating all your family history, your other medical conditions and any cost of medication the insurance would have to pay monthly or even over a years time.

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

My first visit with very fast and easy. All my question were answered and I was suppose to loss another 20 lbs in order to have ryn-lap surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All my medical conditions that were affecting my life along with how was feeling. I was at the point where I could not find clothes that fit and I did not like the way I looked. I was afraid I would not be around for my daughter and see her get married and raise her family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had RYN-Lap. It was the one that my insurance approved and also the one I was hoping they would agreed to.

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?

To my surprise I was not afraid; a little nervous which can be expected. I had prayed about the whole procedure and finally gave it over to God. I knew that it was up to him whether I would make it through.

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 all for it and were very supportive.

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

When I first talked to my supervisor she was unsure about me having this surgery because of the risks. I finally had it during the summer when I had free time since I am a teacher.

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

My stay at Citizen's was very nice. The nurses were extremely helpful and always there when I needed them. I stayed about 2 days. I brought a change of clothes to were home, my pillow and a small fan.

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

No I did not have any complications, thank God!

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

The first week I moved very slowly and tired easily. Every time I did something that took a lot out of me like walking I ended up taking a nap. One day I took two naps in one afternoon. I did have my pain meds filled but shouldn't have because I have not taken one of them. In fact, I am doing so well it sorta scares me. lol

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

Well I am doing great! I don't know about others. I am following my diet as close as I can. I do have a problem getting in all my protein and have bought some protein powder to add to my food to help increase it. One thing good is that I have already started noticing my clothes are fiting more loosely!!

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

I only had to travel about 30 miles.

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.

Well so far I am only on a full liquid diet and am really getting tired of jello, strained soups, pudding, etc. I have one more day on it and then I get to add cheese, very tender meat, and even some starches such as crackers, rice, & noodles. I can't wait!!! I thought about starting a day early but my family won't let me. They are so good to me!

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

At first I did not have much energy and tired very easily. Now I am noticing that I have more energy. I am even able to walk around the block without having leg pains and being out of breathe.

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

I am taking a multi-vitamin 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?

After I had my upper GI I had trouble with dizziness. It was so bad in the hospital that they would not let me go home until it stopped. When I got home I still had the dizziness when I out up or down from bed and took a few minutes for it to stop. Now I do not have any trouble except occasionaly.

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

The worst part of the surgery process is the upper GI and drinking that awful stuff which tasted like liquid plastic. They kept having me to drink it (over a 1/2 cup) because the person doing the procedure could not get a good enough picture. I almost threw up and then they had me get a Cat Scan of my stomach. My doctor was there and he was satisfied and told me he was going up to write my discharge papers. While waiting they brought me some awful orange stuff the wanted me to drink. I was able to take to swallows but nothing more. Thank goodness they were satisfied with what they saw. I hope I never have to go through that again.

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

I will be going to the monthly group at my hospital called PouchPals. It is nice to see how others are doing. Also there is a group trying to start in my home town. I plan to go to both.

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

My scars (5) are very small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far as I am only two weeks out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really it is to soon.