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

From a co-worker.I wanted this surgery years ago.I researched for a long time.

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

Do NOT give up! Fight for what is right.This is a medical condition.If you have to get legal help..go to your insurance commissioner and or attorney.

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

very informative...Ask questions,problems with surgery etc.Take a list of questions with you.Don't be afraid to make sure you understand everything.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

researching...RNY I felt was the best.I had been told it has the best results.

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 had a fear of not waking up! DO NOT Smoke. I ended up with double pneumonia.I personally decided I could take a risk of dying from surgery or I could die from being fat..I took the chance and I am glad I did!

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?

Family and friends(most)thought I was crazy.They said it was too dangerous.After surgery they were all VERY supportive.I think now they are happy I had it.

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

My stay was great..I had the BEST nurses.I was in7 days.Someone who will stay with you..the first night post op. Bring no rinse shampoo,gown,robe, slippers.A positive attitude!

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

I did have pneumonia and 7 months later had some pain..Had a single band adhesion and 2 hernias.I knew this could happen from the beginning.I was angry it set me back but I would have the RNY all over again!

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 I did not have alot of anxiety..Prayed alot.

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

Sore,tired,personally I was a little depressed about not being able to eat the way I used to.Walk,walk,walk,you will feel better and get stronger faster!

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

5 minutes from my home!

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

I walked alot..Went to visit friends ..went shopping..

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

2 multivitamins a day(started out on Flintstones)1 prescription iron pill a day,2 tums per day and a vitamin b-12 shot every other 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?

Nausia,months later if I ate more than I should.Dumping if I eat sugar.very little hair loss.

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

My second surgery for hernias,and adhesion.

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

Support group every month.Have met several people going through the same thing.Very helpful. Alot of us communicate by internet or phone.Very important,very necessary.I need the support.I think people that do not stay in support groups have a bigger chance of failing.

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

yes it is what I expected ...just a line.Who cares you are thin.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am eight months post op I have 22 more pounds to go.I am stuck at the moment..last few weeks.Not very pleasant!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes! Even family members...I don't think this is right but they have treated me better since the weight loss.People are friendlier.opposite sex notices you!I feel people think you are "worth while" when you are thin.Sad but true!