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

I watched a special on PBS about the University of IL Medical Center and that was the first I'd heard of it locally. Like many others, I first heard about the surgery from Carnie Wilson when she had it done. I was VERY impressed and was like, "I WANT THAT!" Course, I didn't know all the risks then... *LOL*

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

It was a NIGHTMARE! My saving grace came in the form of a lady named Colleen Roos who's not even associated with the insurance. She actually works for the broken who SELLS the policy to our company! But without her persistance and "background" knowledge, I don't think I would have succeeded. My advice? BE PERSISTANT!

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

The first visit was INTENSE. I walked out trembling because I was so scared. But, he was honest. He let me know this wasn't just some simple "in and out" thing. It was a MAJOR surgery and a MAJOR decision. Be prepared with questions. And ask all of them till you feel comforable. Don't let him rush you. And he shouldn't if he's any good of a surgeon. Study up a bit on the procedure before going in so you know what he's talking about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't stand me at my weight any more. And I've tried everything else. The complications are real and scary. But, I figure to myself, "The POSSIBLE risks of the surgery are FAR outweighed by the PROBABLE risks of my staying so morbidly overweight!"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Vitello only does the open RNY. Honestly, I didn't know the lap even existed until after my surgery was done. Guess I didn't research enough.

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 didn't worry about dying. Because, I could die any time. Just walking out my front DOOR I could die. Complications? I worry about herneas. I want to be EXTRA careful not to do anything to disturb the incisions!

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 parents have been gone for some time, so it's just my brother w/me. He was SCARED. And I don't blame him. But he also understood what I've gone though and he knows how much healthier I'll be thin. Friends, family and co-workers have all been AMAZING in their after surgery support. And the Obesity.com chatroom has been a GODSEND!

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. I told them flat out I was having a Gastric Bypass and the reason why. I wound up being out only 2 full weeks, then going back part time for 2 weeks. Everyone is very caring and helpful to me. Which I'm so grateful for!

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

Where Dr. Vitello and his staff were wonderful, many of the nurses at the hospital SERIOUSLY ticked me off. They were rude, abrupt and short. I was tired and sore, and they didn't seem to listen to me. THEN AGAIN... in all fairness, I was in a near morphine induced coma the whole time! I was in for 4 days. And I would tell people not to bring ANYTHING. All you're going to do pretty much is SLEEP!

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

No complications praise God. Just a bit of high temp and elevated blood pressure, both relieved when I took the morphine more often.

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

Post-op depression was SOOOOOOOOO bad for at least 4 days after surgery. Then, it just seemed to *POOF!* Go away. At the time of my typing all this, I'm entering week 3 and doing ok. Still a lot of pain and a bit of leakage in the wound, but otherwise ok.

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

Pain. Tenderness. Sore. Itchy. Achy. You'll likely be cranky and understandably so. And, you might have the post-op depression too. Crying often. Feeling scared and alone.

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

From my house the hospital is only about 15 miles away. Not too bad.

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.

Well, being on only week 3, there's LOTS I can't eat yet. Sugar is definitely a no-no. And that's ok, cause it's a weakness! *LOL* I now get starches, fruits and veggies into my diet and I'm excited about that. I was told I could have peanut butter to help get my protein in and the first time I had it was heaven. The second time it made me sick to my stomach and I've not had it since!

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

I was chair bound for at least 3 days upon coming home. Week two I've been much better. Gotten out a lot more and been able to stay up all day without feeling tired.

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

I take 2 Flinstone's Children's Multivitamin Chewables a day. I also drink a Pure Protein Shake every morning to help get my proteins in. It's also a good source of Calcium and B12.

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?

Of all the side effects, I'd say nausea is the most annoying. At week 3 I still wake up some days with my pouch upset. I used to be able to just get up and go. Now I have to wake up and take at least 1/2 hour to adjust myself before I even get out of bed. I hate that!

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

The ITCHING! And I've tried all the lotions and such. But itching means healing so I deal with it. Also, the worrying about internal complications like herneas, hemoraging, etc.

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

No local support group I know of, but the Obesity.com chatroom is my support group. And through this I've found some fellow people in my state whom I've called on and gained support from!

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

It's huge! About 7" long and UGLY. And I thought it would run horizontally not vertically. It's painful too.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, but I've just started.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. Haven't really lost any sugnificant weight yet.