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

A friend had it done. I saw what it did for her. I saw how much happier she was and how her health improved. That is when I started researching it.

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

It was much easier than I ever imagined. I was approved in less than 4 weeks on the first try. I have United Healthcare insurance.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 long days. Most everyone was wonderful. There were 2 nurses who, in my opinion, should find somewhere else to work. They were not kind, or considerate. Bring your patience, your courage and determination. Also, some magazines, your own shampoo/conditioner, your own lotion, and any comfort from home to make you comfortable.

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 immersed myself in work and tried not to think about it other than it is life saving......period. Diabetes runs in my family and now so does heart disease. To me this was the best alternative.

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

I cried everyday for almost 3 weeks. I asked myself why I had decided to do this. I prayed a lot too. I was so depressed but I think it was because I was still having discomfort and pain from the sutures. I had open RNY.

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

3 1/2 hours. My husband took me back and forth to Michigan to Barix Clinics for my check ups. Did not really have any affect.

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.

For about 2-3 weeks, I didn't want to eat anything. I had to force myself to eat. Even though I am nearly 3 years post op, I still can't eat more than a couple ounces of steak which is ok. Beef is still hard to digest so I stay away from that for the most part. I seem to live on turkey, chicken, fish/seafood. I was thrilled to be able to eat mashed potatoes during my first 6 weeks. It was one of my fav foods prior to surgery. Now, if I eat them once in 2-3 months, it is a surprise. I really don't care for them much now.

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

Very little activity during the first couple of weeks, but then in November, my doctor released me to exercise at Curves again and so my activity level picked up dramatically.

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

Centrum kids chewables, new bariatric specific chewables, sublingual B-12.

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 did not vomit until earlier this year (2007). Nausea was harsh for the first 6 weeks or so and then again when I was discovering what foods I could work back into my diet. Dumping was quite an experience. The hair loss bothered me the most. I think because everyone could "see" my hair was thinner.

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

The first 6 weeks of recovery were hard for me. Physically as well as emotionally.

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

None

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

It it fading with time. It's ok. A souvenir of my life saving surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too many to count. I haven't lost anything in over a year. I need some help getting back on track.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.