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

Found out about it thru the media regarding other people who had it done who were happier and more content.

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

I was approved, after my 1st appeal letter from my attorney 10 weeks after surgery.

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

The first visit went well. Learn as much as you can from them. Listen to all of their examples and experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Miserable as can be, and uncomfortable carrying around this weight. Knees and feet hurting. Breathless walking or with any exertion.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap RNY is less invasive, and allows me to get back to work within 2 weeks. My boss needs me, and we are always short staffed. Plus, i won't have as big of a scar.

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?

Not afraid. The misery of being fat outweighs any fear factors.

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?

Some family said great. One family member said why have an unneeded surgery. Co-workers said try another diet and exercise more or this is a quick fix. One co-worker said he saw this one lady have it done and gain the weight back. One co-worker said someone she knew had to have it reversed due to losing too much weight. One friend said people look gross after that surgery with loose skin, and don't get enough nutrients. I kind of wish only a couple of people knew now. One gets tired of the comments.

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

My supervisor gave me time off for the surgery, and seemed to understand. I will miss 2 weeks of work.

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

Hospital stay was okay. I was there 2 days.

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

A stricture. I had an endoscopy, and the doctor stretched the opening. This way I could swallow and digest food.

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 sore with a lot of pain the 1st week of recovery.

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

The 1st week is painful, and the 2nd week one is weak and very sore.

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

20 minutes.

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 can eat anything now.

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

First 2 weeks unable to do any physical activity due to the pain. I exercise daily.

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

A daily multi-vitamin.

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?

vomiting due to the stricture the first 3 months. I dealt with it by being patient.

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

The pain the 1st 2 weeks after surgery.

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

After care support groups and a dietician. Very helpful and important. The people are great.

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

I have 4 small scars smaller than i expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am treated better in all aspects of life.