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

I was against it at 1st! My sister in law was considering it. She is only 100 lbs. overweight as I am 200 lbs! i read through her books she had and went to see Dr. Anez. I knew then it was right for me!

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

I had no problems initially getting approved. I was a prime candidate. But, 2 weeks before surgery, they said I needed a psych eval and I thought I wasn't going to be able to get it done. I was very upset, but it all worked out! I was approved for the procedure, but not for the hospital stay! WEIRD.

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

Very informative, ask questions!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just knew it was my only option at this point in my life. I wanted to be healthy!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I understood that the rny had the best results as far as weight loss and keeping it off.

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?

Of course about not waking up, blood clots or pneumonia. Don't be afraid!

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 was all for it! Some friends were very against it and thought I should try to lose weight "naturally". My husband is VERY supportive! My Mom and Dad mean well, but they badger me about it sometimes.

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

She was absolutely happy for me and her prayers were w/ me! I told her everything! I am a teacher, so i took off some time ( less than a week) at the end of the school year.

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

Wonderful! 3 days. Anything that will make you feel more comfortable

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

no.

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 feel great 1 month post -op!

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

I had help from my Mom. I did not have to take any pain meds :-) Follow all instructions carefully and WALK WALK WALK!!!

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

60 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.

i CAN EAT ALL FOODS PUREED. Of course fried food and sugar and carbonated beverages are out! So far, no dietary changes.

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

I can do anything, but I do find myself having to take a quick nap at times.

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

B12, 2 multivitamins chewable, 2 protein shakes, 4 calcium citrate, iron.

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?

Felling like food is "stuck" os horrible. Be sure to eat slowly and chew carefully!!!!!!! It takes an hour to have the awful feeling go away and it is scary! Some constipation. I had papaya enzyme and threw it up. I had meat tenderizer in warm water- yuck - and threw it up. I had hot chamomile tea which helped the most and I walked around the block!

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

Staple Club Meetings once a month ( kinda like AA) Very helpful and VERY important!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Just as I expected. No big deal really.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.