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

I found out about this surgery through the media, talk shows, and friends.

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

Initially, I had no problem with my insurance company. However, two months prior to my surgery date, my employer changed insurance companies. Surprise, surprise,, the new insurance company denied the surgery. After providing them with approximately 175 pages of documentation, they reluctantly agreed to cover this procedure.

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

My initial visit w/ my doctor was great, he answered all of my questions and assured me that I would be successful if I committed to the process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was either going to die from my obesity or do something that was risky that would give me a chance to enjoy life and all it has to offer..

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After careful reseacrh and educating myself about the different procedures, I felt confident that the RNY procedure was the right surgery for me.

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 prepared for the possible complications. At the age of 33, I had to face reality of obesity and the complications to continuing to live with the health problems, which would eventually kill me. Or take a risk that might give me a second chance. I felt confident in my surgeons ability and trusted that the outcome was meant to provide this opportunity to live again.

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 family, friends, and coworkers have been extremely supportive throughout this process. I have been blessed with a great support system.

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

My employer was thrilled that I was doing something to save my life and supportive of my recovery.

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

I had surgery at Bayview medical center in Baltimore. I was hospitalized for 5 days. It was important to bring comfortable pajamas that did not restrict your stomach b/c of the staples and incision. The fact that my mother stayed with me everyday for support and encouragement was also critical.

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

I have had no major complications. I had a very small part of my incision line that b/g to leak for a few weeks after surgery and took longer to heal, but otherwise no problems.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Initially, I was in a lot of pain and discomfort, however I b/g to feel better with each pasing day just like the doctor said I would. I was well preared for surgery and trusted my surgeon w/ my life, so believe it or not I was not anxiouys at all.

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

The first few weeks after surgery are now a blure, but I remember feeling better day-by-day and I looked forward to the changes that were about to happen. I focused on everything I would be able to do once the weight came off, which was exciting. Anytime I needed support, I asked for it from my family, friends, and co-workers.

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

The hospital I had surgery through was approximately 30-minutes from my house.

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.

In the beginning, I was on a strictly pureed diet. This was not that difficult b/c I was not hunry, but I made sure that I followed the recommended nutritional guidelines to the letter. I believe this allowed my body the tiem it needed to heal and prevented me from having any complications such as dumping. After the first four weeks on pureed food, I was able to incorporate soft foods into my daily routine. This was exciting b/c I felt like I was eating "normal" foods such as scrambled eggs and soup. Every day it seemed like I could add something into my diet that eventually allowed me to b/c eating regular meals. I have been very lucky b/c I follow a strictly low-fat and low-sugar diet, which means I have not experienced any side effects or sickness. I can't imagine going through all of this and then sabotaging myself by eating foods that were bad for me. I have had no physical cravings for the foods I wndulged in prior to surgery and have found myself enjoying a diet full of skinless chicken, fruits, and vegatables. The hardest part has been adjusting to going out to eat b/c restaurant meals serve huge portions, but 9-months post-op I have gooten used to taking most of the meal home and having leftovers. I look forward to the socialization and focus less on the food. I have NO REGRETS!!!!

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

The first few weeks I was tired and uncomfortable, but I b/g taking short walks as often as I could. Again with each passing day I could wlk further and for longer periods of time. After my doctor gave me the go ahead, I b/g working out at home using Leslie Sansome's Walk off the Pounds walking system. I loved how energized I felt after each workout and committed to 3-4 days per week. After about six motnhs of walkming, I joined CURVES. I love it. I exerices their 3-4 days per week and take 2 mile walks on alternate days. My energy levels are high and I look forward to exercising.

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

I currently take One A Day for Women, Caltrate, and Vitamin B-12 injections once a month.

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 have experienced hair loss since having surgery, but not too the extreme. I have had no other specific side effects. Participating in the surgery support group before, during , and after surgery prepared me for the possibility of hair loss. I have always had thin, fine hair, so this was not difficult to deal with. I did purchase one of those hair pieces fromt the mall and wore my hair up for several months until the thinning stopped. This made me feel less self-conscious and nobody realized it was not my hair until I told them.

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

The worst part for me has been learning how to socialize again, especially b/c I can't drink and eat very small meals.

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

I b/g attending the JHBMC surgery support group about 5 months prior to my surgery and then until 6 months post-op. I am searching for a support group now that will address the issues which I still need to talk about and the gorup did not address. This was crucial in me feeling not so alone in the process and I could talk about things my family could not understand b/c they had not been where I was.

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

My scar runs from right uinder my bra ine to about an inch or so above my belly button. I was not at all surprised by the size of the scar and felt it was a fiar trade off for losing weight. Now that its been 9-motnhs, the scar has faded nicely and I am happy with these results.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am just now going through a period of time where my weight loss is slowing down, inches are coming off, and muscle is being built, which can be scarey. I am focusing on the fact that I have thus far lost 125 lbs and have d/c all medications, b/c more physically active, and have an amazing support system to keep me going. I am focused on the fact that my life is so much different then it was this time last year and will be even more different this time next year. My future is wat I make of it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At first, I thought people were treating me different, but I realized that I am interacting different with the world. I have more confidence in myself and can look people in the eye. I try not to confuse this with their behavior, but acknowledge the changes in my personality. I am more outgoing and social, so people naturally react differently to that.