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

I saw it on TV, read it in a magazine and then I met a friend of my brothers. I was just amazed at listening to her, but it was hard to put the puzzle together unless you really saw what the person looked like before they had the surgery. So then I did meet people that I worked with that had the surgery then I was really impressed. I attended many of support group meetings first, before I did any deciding and that was the best thing that I did!

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

My dr's office did all the foot work and I had no problems with my insurance. As I did have many documentations for I tried lots of different sources including different prescribed medicines too. I always suggest to have all your medical records showing the medical necessity and what you have done in the past. Thanks

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

The first time that I met Dr. Artuso I was really impressed. First he is this little tiny doctor that I thought that he was going to need a step stool to get up into my stomach! He is very quiet but has the answers for you and his staff is also helpful. I also met other patients that went through the same procedure and that is where it is very helpful to learn about different questions and answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just one day decided to go for the surgery. I said to my husband, "this is it, I am ready". BUT I am the BIGGEST chicken so I still say to myself, Maryann, "I can't believe that you did what you did". I will tell you that this is the top 3 item on my list of best things ever done. 1st getting married to my husband...2nd having my daughter and then... 3rd having my surgery and in tht order. After listening to the members at the support group and seeing the results, it was time....

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just felt that the gastric bypass was the one for me for I am not a person to have a foreign object (the port) left in my stomach and then to go for adjustments. Then also you can have that adjusted accordinly to the holidays......nah....I needed the real thing....I had lots of medical problems that I wanted to get help for.

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?

My biggest fear was dying and not ever seeing my daughter and husband again. But I had to put my faith in the hand of the above and I went in with an open mind and said to myself It will be alright.

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 was very fortuanate as I had the support from my family and friends. My mom lives in California with my sister, so when I told them my mom was dead against me. She just said that I was taking the easy way out. I know that she was afraid for me so that was the way she reacted. So deep down inside I had her voice in my head, but I knew for my life and for the sake of my daughter I needed to do this. I feel that I communicated the best way and would do it over again the same way! And now my mom is so very proud and happy for me. If medicare would cover this, I think that she would also be a patient and would be a great canidate for she also has many heath problems too.

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

I had no problems, just said that I was having surgery and that I need time off. Also had the forms filled out from the dr for the insurance purposes. I was out for 4 to 6 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was great because it was the hotest week in the summer and I was in the air conditioner the entire time! I was there for only 3 days and the staff was wonderful! I found that my sneakers were to big for me by the time I left the hospital, so I suggest to bring sandals and clothes that you can slip on and over your head.

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

I had no complications except I broke out with a rash in the hospital and was very itchy. I healed great took alittle slower but was the best thing that I did.

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 so excited and nervous at the same time that I was happy. The worst feeling was making sure tht I was going to wake up to see my family!

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

I took my time in eating everything very tiny, little spoonfuls. I tried to eat very slow but I think tht I might have still known in my head that it was to be eaten slowly but might not have chewed everything totally.. I think that I was home for 2 days and then went camping for a month and recouped there.

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

My dr and the hospital was located about an hour and 15 minute ride. Was it worth it, You betcha !! I continued to the same dr for my after care for the first 90 day aftercare. After that my dr no longer partcipated with my insurance so I only followed up once after that. I do see my medical dr and have my blood work done on a routine basis.

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 was not able to eat eggs for almost a year and a half...Pasta is still hard for me to eat, I can eat about 4 to 5 pieces of ziti..etc I really started to eat and enjoy cottage cheese...that became my best friend and cheeses..and soups. I did not do beef till almost a year after surgery and chicken was hard to chew so I started to eat the dark meat which I found to be much softer to eat.

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

I was very slow with activities. I did go camping for a month after my surgery for that is were I recouperated with my family and just relaxed, walked and did get sick alot. But would I do it over again, YES. Also that is were I also met a camper who had the same surgery and was my Saving Angel....She was my pal for a month and we still talk alot about our surgeries!

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

I am taking a multi vitamin for women, I am also taking Iron pills, I take a sublingual vitamin B12 2 times a week, and also a calcium vitamin too.

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 did have vomiting for about 8 to 10 weeks, but it was off and on. I sometimes ate to quick or didn't chew my food completly. On the other hand my husband alos had the same surgery and to this date he has never vomited! I did start to lose my hair in the 6th month BUT grew back in even curlier!!! YIKES but I am just fine.

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

The worst part, ummm I really don't remember I do remember the best part was waking up in the recovery room hearing the nurses call my name, so I was very happy that it was either my angels or the nurses..After being in the room I said to my husband, "Did I do the right thing" I was in pain in the beginning for about 1 day but never used my drip for pain.

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

I still once in a while attend the same support group tht I attended prior to my surgery. It is still very helpful as it still is motorvational to see and listen to the different stories of the other people.

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

I had this done lapro and you can hardly see the 5 little lines. It looks great!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I remembered that for 2 weeks I had not lose a pound then all of a sudden the next week I lost like 8 pounds. So there are times that I do weigh myself everyday but that is just to make sure that I am not going the wrong way and that I am still staying were I should be. I go back and forth on 1 to 2 pounds but I am just fine about that. I am still very very happy with my results and am very thankful to all!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, now tht I am thinner then what I was, I find that people now notice me and speak with me. BUT if you could not speak to me when I was heavy then I don't have the time to deal with you now. I am still the same person!!