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

My roommate and I started looking into it and I was scared at first because I had never had any surgeries or been in the hospital.

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

My insurance did not cover my surgery so I paid the $24k out of pocket but, it was worth every penny and I would do it again. Because I feel so much better now but I still have about 40lbs to lose and I will be where I want to weigh.

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

My first meeting went well. I suggest really researching your options and write you questions dow.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I knew that nothing else was going to be a lifelong change and get the weight off quickly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By talking with different people and my roommate had the RNY first and I thought this was the best procedure because I did not want to have to go back for any adjustments later.

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 was nervouse because of the unknown. I cannot say that I was afraid or had any fears of complications because I am a christian and I know that God was with me and is still with me all the way through this journey.

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?

I did not tell alot of people and none of my family knew until after I had the surgery. But the friends that knew were very supportive all the way and kept me in their prayers.

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 behind me all the way. I have a great supervisor and some of his siblings had been through the same procedure so he knew what I would go through. I was off approx 2 1/2 wks and then went back part time for 2wks and then full time.

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

My hospital stay was great. I was only in 24hrs so I did not really need anything. The hospital provided all toiletries and things like that.

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

I had no complications. Everything went great.

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 just tried to stay busy and not think to much. I was pretty calm. I did not get real nervous until the day of surgery while I was waiting to be taken to the operating room.

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

I did ok. After the first couple of days I was not in much pain. Just tried to cope with the change that I had just made and learning to deal with food and life all over again. You almost have to learn how not to center activities and such around food.

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

I traveled about 4 hours for the surgery. I stayed the night in town the day I was released and then I went home. I did ok just stopped often to get out and walk. I did ok once I got home and then went back in two weeks to see the doctor for a follow up. I did great.

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.

The first two weeks was pretty much liquids only. Then went to soft foods. Couldn't tolerate a lot at first. Got real sick of soup broth and jello. Then when I went to soft foods I did ok. I think I only got sick about 4 or 5 times and that was mainly eating to much or the richness of the foods. Don't tolerate much meat. I mainly stay with roast beef, pork. Cannot really handle beef to well.

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

My activity level after the first week was ok. I got tired very easily. But I could tell as the time passed that I had more energy and as the weight has come off I think I am more active.

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

I take B12, a liquid multivitamin and calcium daily.

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 dealt with nausea, vomiting, not much sleep problems. I am now experiencing hair loss. My nausea and vomiting were probably for the first 4 to 5 mos. Now I get nausea when I eat something I shouldn't or I eat to fast or much. I just tried to tell myself to eat slow and really watch what I ate.

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

I think the worst part was and sometimes still is the emotional part of dealing with food. Because you don't really feel like eating and then your mind plays games with you because you are not giving your body the foods that you have ate all your life. But I just had to tell myself that this was a life changing experience and I wanted to be healthier and slender and have a long a happy, healthy life.

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

I don't have any group program in my area however, my roommate had surgery about 5 mos before me so watching what she went through and then having her to help and support and know what I was going through was the best part.

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

My scars are small not all that noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced several plateaus. But you have to be patient because everyone is different and will lose at their own pace. You cannot compare yourself with anyone else. Your body will lose the weight at your pace. Exercise is a big key factor.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people are more friendly. But receiving all the compliments are the best part. Knowing that people are noticing the difference feels great.