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

I had heard about the surgery for years. I could benefit for it, but even with a BMI of 40 I still would have surgeons turn me down. Once I let myself go and gained 20 more pounds I went back and with a BMI of 43 I was all set for the surgery I had wanted for years but was never heavy enough.

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 problem with approval. Medicare paid for all but $900 , which my secondary insurance covered. Somehow I had no approval process for surgery, but it took 4 months to get Medicare.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was just basic. He weighed me, asked me eating and health questions and described the surgery to me and what life after would be like, mentally and physically. Having a list of questions does help. I was also referred to a nutritionist, gastroenterologist for an upper endoscopy, therapist and physican.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My joints hurt. I quit my job and classes. I stopped going out days and nights. I lost friends due to being secluded and not going out. I would only run to the store at night, in baggy clothes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon asked which one- the lap band or RNY. Lap bands kinda scared me so i said I would rather have the RNY. That is what he specialized in.

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 afraid of the pain, and yes, I had a lot of pain for 3 weeks. I needed help the first two weeks just to take a shower. Be prepared and make sure someone can be with you - espescially when you drop something. I was afraid food would get stuck or tooo big, or I wouldn't chew enough . Mostly, and I still have this fear, of dumping.

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?

Everyone was very supportive although a few friends said I didn't need it. But weight loss for me was more than just the weight. My gallbladder had to come out, I have osteoporosis at 27, so my family knew I nedded it and knew I would benefit from it.

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

I was out of it for the first day at the hospital. I had my gallbladder out and was under the knife for seven hours. I just remember the first day of pain and thirst. Second day I feared moving because I was so sore. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I brought my own pillow, books and ,magazines I didn't want to read, a sleeping mask helped, and toothbrush and toothpaste as well as a hairbrush and soap! I started to feel all greasy and dirty and sweaty, so those items helped.

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

My asthma and smoking history made me have resptiory treatments due to not being able to cough since I was so sore.

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 had 2 weeks until my surgery date. I quit smoking but wish I had done it sooner because I had asthma and respitory problems. My stomach hurt so mucg i couldn't cough up anything or clear my throat.

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

Until week 3, I was resting and in bed. I walked around the house hunched over. I had a liquid diet for week one. I was salixvating at the though or smell of food. A lot of smells turned me off, like perfume or cigarette smoke. I just laid low, had my fluids. It was hard because I could not get out of bed without help and I needed help being propped up. It was hard and frustrating sleeping on my back. But week 3, I suddenly was better, slept on my side, could move in and out of bed.

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

My surgery was a mile away at the hospital my mother is a nurse at! My surgeon's office is in the hospital, too. So I am very lucky.

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.

Bread. First no bread. That was hard. But week 3 was Melba Toast with tuna or egg salad. That was a life saver. Also, week 4 I could have toast. I had to ease from liquids to soft to normal, which was not hard. As weeks went by I could hold more solid food.

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

The first week I was in bed, as well as the second, but gradually walking aound the house or yard. Week 3 I was able to walk 10 blocks (hunched over at first) FLAT surface. Now today is the beginning of week 6 and I walk an extra 6 blocks and slight inclines. I find each week after week 3 I can do more and more yet I have to realize that although I feel i can do more, I can't push it.

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

I have a daily chewable multi vitamin, as well as tums. I have not taken Feosol (iron) because it constipates me and is uncomfortable. I have protien powder I add to my apple sauce or shakes. I also drink slimfast because of the proein and iron.I know in a few weeks I will HAVE to take the iron!

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?

The first 3 weeks I was on my back all night and couldn't sleep at times. I needed helped being propped up or pulled down in bed. That's all I really had. I did (and still do on occassion) for the first 2 weeks (after wek one) eat a bite too much. I got nauseous and dry heaved and vomitted saliva. It lasted only two minutes. It was important to press a pillow into my stomach when I did that or I felt pain.

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

The worst part was physically. Since I had my gallbladder out, both sides hurt, esp being moved onto hospital beds and getting up. After the surgery the first 3 days of pain were bad for me that I wanted to reverse the surgery. As soon as I was able to get rid of gas, I was better. As soon as my respitory problems subsided, I felt better.

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

I just have this website chat room for support. That is enough for me as people are very helpful with my questions and I learn from theirs too.

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

I have one small vertical scar between my ribs and a 2.5 inch vertical above my belly button. I have 2 scars on each side, so a total of 4 smaller scars. Total are six scars. Not bad and fading

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far, week 3 I lost nothing and week 5 I lost nothing. It seems like every 3 weeks I have a slow down. So far in week five and beginning of six I have lost 2 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel so. I also walk with my head up higher again and know that it will only get better from here. I am not going out to bars or clubs until I lose another 40, the weight I was when people last saw me.