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

I heard about bariatric surgery from a 'friend of a friend'. My initial responce was "No Way! Too drastic for me." Obviously, that changed

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

I was very fortunate that I went somewhere that does preapprovals. I had to complete alot of work on my own such as pre-op testing, ordering my medical history and a psych evaluation, but once all of the work on my end was completed, there were no problems.

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

The surgeon was obviously very informed and knowledgeable. I made sure and took notes and asked all of the questions on my list. I also made sure and took my husband w/ me becuase he's realy good at asking questions that I may not think of. I would recommend doing research before you meet w/ the surgeon so that you can have questions answered and also take someone w/ you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that although this was very drastic, it was the tool that was necessary for me to be successful. I have often told people that if I only had 50 or less pounds to loose then I know that I could do it on Weight Watchers. However, that was not the case for me and therefore I made this very personal decision.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The hospital where I had the procedure only does the RNY. I agreed that this was acceptable to me and did not look elswhere.

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 went through the typical ups and downs. I questioned my decision over and over. I cried about and then celebrated my decision. I had to keep in mind that all of these emotions were very typical and I just continued to educate myself about all aspects of the surgery. On the day of my surgery I was very confident and ready to go. For others that are having the same fears, they are normal. Just continue to educate yourself about it. I continue to do that even after the surgery. Don't be afraid to educate yourself about the good and the bad. Knowledge is power.....

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 husband in the beginning was very much against me having surgery. He did not like the idea of me going under the knive. He had seen me loose lots of weight before and was confident that if I kept trying, I would succeed. We had many long and loving conversations about it and when I began to educate him about it and also point out how it would not only benefit me but benefit him and our family, he became very supportive of my decision.

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

Not Applicable. I am a homemaker!

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

My stay in the hospital went as well as can be expected. You have to understand that you are recovering from MAJOR surgery. You and your body have been under great shock and stress from this. I was at a hospital which only performed bariatric surgery. The staff there only deals w/ wls patients. From that aspect it was great. But as anyone who has ever been in the hospital knows, being in the hospital for any reason is not a pleasant experience. The only thing I used that I packed was my pajama bottoms and t-shirt that I rode home in. The hospital that I stayed in gave patients the most wonderful care package that contained everything you needed.

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

No complications at all. Lucky me!

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

In the weeks following sugery I regained more and more energy each day. I slept whenever I could and walked when I was awake. It was more than helpful to have family taking care of my children so that I could get the rest that I needed. One of the hardest things for me was the lifting restriction that we have for the first 6 weeks. I had an eight-month-old and it was very hard for me to not be able to pick her up. That too did pass. I didn't have any anxiety becuase I knew what to expect and did not hesitate to aske questions when something unexpected came up.

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

I was very tired and very sore. I stayed on my pain meds for about a week after I arrived home. I ate when I could, slept when I could and walked, walked, walked. I felt very weak at times but I continued to get my energy back a little each day.

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

I was 40 minuted from the hospital. I just layed the chair back and relaxed.

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.

I am only 5 months post op so my diet has been very limited. But I cherish each stage that I go into. I have not had any complications from food that I have eaten. I have had a few moments of craving food that I cannot have yet, however they passed too. It is quite an adjustment to be around other people that are free to eat what and when they please and that can be a bit challenging. I also am still adjusting to not being able to drink while I eat. I was a big drinker during meals and that has been an adjustment for me.

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

My energy level increases more and more each day.

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

I take a chewable Bugs Bunny Complete twice a day. I cannot believe that my 3-year-old begs for those things...I'm not going to lie, they taste awful. But their importance in my health far outweighs the taste!

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 only had brief nausia immediately following the surgery and the key was eating every couple of hours whether I wanted to or not. The rest, I have not experienced.

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

The hospital stay. Not because of anything that happened there, I just hate being in the hospital.

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

I have followup visits w/ my surgeon and his staff. I also attend monthly support group meetings. They are all tools for success and vital.

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

My scar is about 1 foot long from my chest bone to the right of my belly button. It is purple in color and quite amazing! I expected the scar to look like this and love when people ask to see it. Thier reaction is pretty funny. It kind of puts some of it in perspective for them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not applicable at this time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

None.