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

from a tv commercial. I thought NO WAY! Then apx. 5 years later I started researching the bariatric surgery, through the internet, librarys, infomercials and talking with people that had already gone through it.

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

research your insurance carefully, remember to note with whom you spoke, date/time for future reference. Talk to your Human Resources Benefits Coordinator for more information

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

On the 1st visit I thought he was trying to talk me out of having the surgery. I listened to everything he said, had a list of questions prepared and read the material he gave me. I discussed every detail with my family and had their support. Listen to your Dr. and do as he says. Down to every last recommendation.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

not being able to do things with my teen age daughter, worrying if she was embarressed by her Mom in public.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to go with the one my Dr. recommended.

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?

Make sure you have confidence in your surgeon. If you don't trust him forget the surgery. Talk to other people that have had the surgery at the same facility to gauge the level of care and compassion.

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 entire family, husband, daughter, parents and siblings were all for it. They had shared my concerns over my weight. My family continues to be very supportive of me,even working out and walking with me.

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

My Director was very supportive. Although she had no idea how much I weighed until I shared that with her and the great potential for improved health after recovery. I was only off work 4 weeks. Came back feeling great!

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 was in a private room in the pediatric wing so I was really pampered. I was there 4 days. Remember if you're female to bring your makeup....nothing like a pretty face to make you feel better! Also maybe a pillow from home to sleep better.

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

I had an umbicial hernia that the surgeon repaired during the RNY and developed a small hole there that leaked. It eventually healed with daily packing. No big deal

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 didn't really have any anxiety after the surgery. Some very minor post surgery depression which is normal from anesthesia. It was during the holidays so I felt pretty good. I actually had a spoonful of mashed potatos for Christmas Dinner...talk about pigging out!

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

sore, some difficulty in moving. expect to be tired from the smallest of things right at first. My first shower at home was an ordeal. It took me and my husband to finish it...but by keeping on doing things your strenght comes back quickly. It's important to walk like the Dr. says. Keep all your muscles from stiffening and weakening.

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

only 7 miles. No affect on aftercare at all

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, of course no solid food. I really got sick of broth, jello and popsicles!....I tried ensure but it didn't settle well with me. When I first tried well cooked rice it made me sick! I gradually tried adding one thing a week until I eat whatever Iwant now except sweets, like sticky buns, candy bars, etc....

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

the 1st week was very little, I gradually added more as I felt like it and went back to work in 4 weeks, full time at 5 weeks which is 10-12 hours a day.

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

I take a Centrum chewable daily multi vitamin and a 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?

I have some hair loss, but also have a hypothyroidism problem so it's hard to attribute that to just the surgery. My medication levels have changed x2 since surgery so my body is using it more efficiently

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

no soda for a while. Now I can have a little every now and then. Also while in the hospital I had to get up and walk the evening of my surgery. Learning how to move myself up and out of the bed without causing pain was difficult but managable.

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

My entire family was my support group. They discussed how to move, what to eat, when to eat, if I had taken in enough calories, etc. I feel your support group is one of the major keys to success. I also had my boss and my friends from work to count on. I am extremely lucky in that aspect

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

from underneath my breast bone to my naval. It's about what I expected. Not very wide and now that I'm going to a tanning bed (for the 1st time in my life!) it is looking great. Almost can't see it at all

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at 60 lbs weight loss. That put me at a weight I had been for apx 10 years a long time ago. I knew to expect this and just kept on doing what I was supposed to walking, watching my food, etc...it eventually started going down again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people noticing me. I have had people at work that I didn't realize knew me tell me how good I look and talk to me about someone in their family they would like to have the surgery...The main thing every one is amazed by is how young and energetic I appear. It's because I actually feel good. I haven't felt this well since in my 20's