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

I found out about bariatric surgery from someone who had it over a year ago. After listening to her story (which sounded so familiar) I took the initiative to find out more about the surgery.

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

The doctor's office handled the entire process. I did not have to do a thing.

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

My first visit wasn't received too well. However, I did let the doctor and his staff know about my concerns and we had a second meeting. This went much better. Be prepared to ask all kinds of questions -- remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question! Bring your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. They need to know what you are doing, and why.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Talking with other individuals who have had the surgery and hearing about the positive changes in their lives. Also, my PCP was so supportive and felt my health would improve.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with two different surgeons and felt that the open RNY was the best option for me. You are only under anesthesia for one hour compared to 3 for the LAP. Better odds!

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 of dying or having complications. Trust in yourself and your surgeon. Go into the surgery with a positive attitude: This is the right thing for me to do and I will be ok!

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 only told my husband and daughter as far as family. I told two of my closest friends. Why? Because I did not want to hear any negative talk about surgery OR you can always diet, OR you aren't that overweight, etc. Friends mean well, but if they have never had a weight problem they really aren't too informed on what you have been going through.

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

I only told them I was having surgery, not what type. I was out of work for 2 weeks exactly.

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

I am not a hospital person! I was ready to go home the very next day after surgery. Of course, that did not happen! I was in for four days. The most important things to bring are your favorite pillow, bathrobe and slippers. A journal is nice to have also. You can record your experience right away.

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

I had no complications from the surgery.

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 felt very anxious up to the day of surgery. The doctor I have has a support group and I relied heavily on them to get me through this process. It worked!

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

My first week was uneventful. I rested and started an exercise program (treadmill). No one expected anything from me, but I did eventually work myself up to cleaning the house, cooking dinner, going to the grocery store, etc.

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

I traveled about 15 miles.

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.

At first all I was able to tolerate was clear liquid soup, sugar free jello and Crystal Lite beverage. I later graduated to baby cereal mixed with strained baby fruit. About 2 months post-op I tried mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed veggies, and fish. No problems so far......but then I tried chicken. I am now 4 months post-op and I have given up on poultry. Chicken and turkey just do not settle well for me. I lose them every time! Now the smell of poultry cooking makes me feel ill. So, I stick to fish. You just have to try something and your system will let you know if it will be able to tolerate it or not. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly........cut food into little pieces. Practice makes perfect!

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

I started to walk around the day after surgery and the rest is history! My energy is sooooooooo high. I am two weeks post op and feeling great.

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

I am still taking children's chewable vitamins with zinc and iron. I hope to graduate to bariatric surgery type vitamins soon. There is a company in Santa Ana, CA that makes some.

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 must live a charmed life because I have not experienced any of the side effects mentioned. The only vomiting I have experienced is after I eat chicken or turkey. That took one time!

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

Definitely the NG tube!

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

My surgeon has a support group that meets one night a month. It is fantastic. You get to relate to others who have taken the plunge to regain control over their lives and to be more healthy. It is so important to have the support and expertise of others who have gone before you. They have experienced similar concerns and are able to assist you with solutions. Also, my surgeon has a group room on Yahoo and that allows us all to contact each other personally or as a group. We get advice, recipes, helpful hints, etc. One big happy family!

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

My scar is about 3" long. It is a little wider than I expected, but it is not unsightly. I have had to problems with my incision site except sometimes it does itch! Bring out the lotion.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is amazing how differently people treat me now. I have lost a total of 55 lbs and am 4 months post-op. Restaurant staff are more friendly, co-workers are amazed at my progress and include me in more activities, strangers are more friendly and don't look at me with that "oh, my God! What does that woman eat to make her so big?" Sales staff in department stores are more readily available.........odd how that happened.