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

I went to a seminar put on by my surgeon that was advertised in my local newspaper. For the first time, I felt HOPE in what I thought was a hopeless situation.

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

Although it took several weeks, and talking to several people, I finally received approval. Persistency is definitely the key.

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 a very positive experience. I had written down quite a long list of questions and she took the time to go over each one and answer them in detail as well as explain the procedure to my husband and ask him if he had any questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After trying many diet programs only to lose and regain weight over and over again, I was ready to make a total lifestyle change and knew that this surgery was the best option for me to acheive my goals.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

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 very fearful even after all of the research I had done and talking with my surgeon just because of the "fear of the unknown". I was told by the nurse and the surgeon that this was very normal and to be expected. I am a Christian and rely on faith in God and prayer and this definitely aleviated many fears.

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 husband and family have been incredibly supportive. It has been hard going through the holidays just having surgery but they have been such and encouragement and help.

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

My employer is very supportive and understanding of my choice to have this surgery. I have only been working at this job for six months so I was a little concerned about taking time off but was assured that it was perfectly fine and received nothing but encouragement from my coworkers. I plan to be back at work on 1/6/04, so I will have been off work three weeks.

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

I was in the hospital 6 days due to coming down with pneumonia two days after surgery. If it had not been for the pneumonia, I feel like I would have probably been able to go home on day three or four even after having an open surgery. The most important thing to bring from home is your own pillow!

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

The only complication I had was contracting pneumonia, which caused my blood pressure to bottom out. After a couple of days of intense antibiotics, I was more than ready to come home.

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 saw the surgeon on a Wednesday and due to the approaching holidays, was pretty certain that I would have to wait until after the holiday season for surgery. I was pleasantly surprised to find out she had an opening the following Wednesday. With only having to wait a week, I kept myself very busy finishing up tasks at work, completing holiday shopping, gift wrapping and mailing, and preparing things at home for my husband and small daughter. I did not have a lot of time to worry or be anxious but in the times that I did, I prayed and asked God for strength and courage.

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

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op now and have not had many troubles at all. I have gotten a little nervous at times trying to make sure I get the nutrition I need but making sure I don't eat anything that will make me sick. I'm quickly learning that this is definitely a "trial and error" phase but am so excited about the new me that is slowly taking shape!

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

I only have to travel 18 miles to the hospital and surgeon's office.

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 do not feel that I am not far enough along in this journey to answer this question. I am still on the pureed diet and have not experienced any problems.

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

At the present, I am trying to walk at least 1/2 mile every day. Still being quite sore from the surgery and being very tired, this is a major task for me right now. I can tell that it is getting a little easier with each passing day.

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

I just started today taking one children's complete chewable multivitamin on a daily basis.

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 am experiencing difficulty sleeping more than a couple of hours at a time but I feel that is more due to being sore than a side effect.

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

The surgery itself was not difficult at all. The most difficult thing to me was having to be in the hospital for six days, especially during the holiday season.

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

My surgeon's office has a weight loss support group that meets once per month. This is invaluable as we are able to exchange tips and helpful ideas as well as make new friends.

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

My scar is much longer than I expected but that is due to having to have quite a large amount of scar tissue and adhesions removed from my bowels. I knew this was a possibility before surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not far enough along in this process to answer this questions

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've had several people tell me that they admire me for having the courage to have this surgery.