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

I work for a hospital business office and noted we had a charge quote for the procedure for prospective patients. I researched and found a lady in my office was about to have the RNY procedure. She told me who her physician was. I knew it was the answer I had been looking for.

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

My group heath had an exclusion. I was denied. Eight months later, I took a gamble and switched insurance during open enrollment. I was approved on my first try.

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

My meeting with the surgeon was extremely informational. I think people can get the most out of the visit by being well versed in weight loss surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I researched and talked to others.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only performed open RNY and I did extensive research.

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 no fear.

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?

Everyone was behind me 100%.

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

My stay was uneventful. I was confined for 4 days. The most important thing I can remember was to bring a pillow for the ride home. It also helps to take pain meds before you leave the hospital and to have the physician call in your pain med script. Saves time and trouble on the ride home; no waiting at the pharmacy.

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

None

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 mourned food briefly when I started preparing meals for my family. I was on a liquid diet at the time. When I saw the weight quickly melting off, I overcame any depression in a hurry.

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

Sore...people really need to not over do the physical activity at first.

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

35 miles one way.

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.

clear liquid - 4 days full liquid 3 days soft solid - 4-7 days I introduced new foods a little at the time. Greatly limited carbs at first. Did not touch sugar for 8 months. Nothing is off limit now, just limited.

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

Started the treadmill about 1 month after surgery. Haven't stopped.

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

1 multi-vitamin a.m. 1 glass Metamucil a.m. 1 calcium w/D p.m. 1 glass Metamucil p.m.

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?

No nausea; only vomited 5 times total. Lost a little hair around the 3 - 6 month mark; no big deal at all.

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

The waiting time to be approved. It was excruciating.

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

Our support group is called The Next Step. It is held once a month and the physician attends. I never miss it because I feel it is required. It gives me the fellowship I need and also a good kick in the pants sometimes.

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

My original RNY scar keloided. No big deal. I have since had an abdominoplasty so the old scar is gone. The new scar looks better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It took a week or two to get from 200 to 199. I think it was psychological.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definately.