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

Magazines, TV-was interested a couple of years ago but thought I would have to pay for the whole thing then I found out my insurance would pay for most of it.

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

I had no trouble getting approved the first time. I had been to the doctor previously for different diet pills & high blood pressure so I had documentation of trying to lose weight

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

I thought it was very informative. Have a list of questions with you so you don't forget to ask things.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Desperate to lose weight. Was out of ideas on how to do it

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My family doctor recommended the Rouen Y

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 come to peace before I had the surgery. I was very upset right before I went in because I feared that if I died, my husband would be there by himself in the waiting room. It probably would have been better to have a second person with us. Someone told me that I would feel like someone punched me in the stomach after the surgery for a couple of days. I really think people need to be more prepared for the pain...it feels more like someone drove a semi truck over your stomach. It does get better and walking does really help.

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?

At first, my family wasn't for the surgery. Then by the time I had it, two sisters were talking about having it. My husband was very helpful afterwards doing the housework. He kept telling me not to lift anything and reminding me to eat.

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

They didn't really have an opinion. The head person did call the Bariatric Center to see if the surgery was really necessary. I was a bit upset with that. I will be off for 8 weeks total. Partly because my surgery was delayed 3 days and then my doctor will be on vacation so I can't get in to see him.

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

The hospital stay was okay. I did feel they were short-handed. It seemed to take forever when you pushed the nurse button which I only did about 4 times. I was tin the hospital for 4 days. I felt that the only thing I should have took with me was conditioner and a brush. I took magazines but never felt like reading and I stayed in their gowns the whole time. They supplied everything you needed.

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

They thought I had pneumonia and then thaat my stomach might be leaking but it ended up being an allergic reaction to the pain meds. I was the one who figured it out...I'm allergic to all kinds of meds!

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 moving a bit slow the first 3 weeks. I also had a hard time sleeping in bed. I did find I was short tempered with my husband on occasion but I did remember to thank him for all the help he was giving me.

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

A little pain, being careful not to do anything strenuous

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

I had to drive 2 hours for surgery. At three weeks, my incision started to ooze and my family doctor didn't want to mess with it and I didn't want to drive all the way to the hospital. After talking to BTC, my doctor decided to treat it himself.

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 week was clear liquids-sugar free jello, broth. Weeks 2-3 were sugar free pudding, protein drinks, pureed soups. Weeks 4-5 were mashed potatoes & gravy, anything baby food consistency, apple sauce.

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

The first week I made myself walk around inside the house every hour. The second week, I started walking out to the mail box which is about 100 ft and around the yard. The third week on, I walk about 1 1/2 miles a day.

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

I take 2 sugar free chewable vitamins 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?

So far teh onnly trouble I've had is with sleeping. It is hard to stay on my back or sides but I do use pillows to keep myself from rolling on to my stomach. I wake up with sore hips. I had surgery 4 1/2 weeks ago and still have this problem. I did go to the chirpractor but it didn't seem to help.

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

The pain for the first 2 days after surgery!

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

I go to a support group once a month

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

At the Bariatric Center, they do not stitch or staple the outside. It is a very thin line that is butterfly bandaged. I was really impressed

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went 3 days without losing anything so I decided I need to stop weighing myself everyday!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No