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

I learned of bariatric surgery through an online friend who was having it done (4 yrs ago). I thought about it then, but didn't think it was 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 a good experience with my insurance company.. I had my approval within 1 week of the bariatric center submitting my paperwork.

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

I had a list of questions that I wanted to ask the surgeon about the surgery, the after-care of the surgery, etc. I believe I only asked 1 or 2 questions, because he answered everything before I could ask it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I discussed it with my husband and with my health issues, we thought it would be the best thing for me to ensure that I could live a more productive life and be more involved with my children outside.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon said he was going to do RNY - LAP unless there were complications.

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 a lot of fears about complications. The day before my surgery I was a total wreck.. I worked the day before and before I left work, I was crying cuz I was so scared. Everyone said they would pray for me. I was scared that I would have an infection from bowel drainage; and have to go back to the OR. I was afraid of getting pneumonia, a collapsed lung, etc. I didn't feel afraid of dying though. I was very confident in my surgeon.

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 and children were very supportive with my decision. Some of my co-workers weren't, but now that they see I came out with flying colors, they feel good about my decision. My step-mom didn't want me to have the surgery because she knew someone who had it and this person almost died. I told her that everyone is different. I had to come to terms with that myself. Just cuz one person had problems doesn't mean Everyone will. I had NONE..

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

They wished me luck and they knew I would be out of work up to 6 weeks

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

For the most part my hospital stay was good. I work at the hospital I was at. I had one aide that I had a confrontation with and I told her to get out and didn't want her in my room again. I was there for 4 days. My surgery was on Friday and I went home on Monday. I only brought a pr of underwear, deodorant, comb, and a book with me.

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

I didn't have any complications

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 was happy when I got my surgery date. As the date got closer, I was more anxious. I talked with my husband and others who had the surgery

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

My first few weeks were ok. A lot of rest and walking5 m

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

5 minute drive

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.

My first week was clear liquids only My second week - I was started on soft/pureed foods. Chicken, turkey, sweet potato, unsweetened applesauce, sugar free Jello & Pudding, 1/2 scrambled egg was well tolerated. Tuna fish wasn't at first but is now. Hamburger was not tolerated at all

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

My activity level was limited the first few days. I got tired quick. If I took a shower, I was totally exhausted after it. Now I can walk several blocks, do dishes, take a shower without being exhausted. (I'm 2 weeks out)

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

none

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?

nausia was the worst for me.

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

Can't say any part has been bad as of yet

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

There is a support group that I was attending before the surgery. I talk with others who have had the surgery

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

I had lap and they had to do 9 incisions instead of 6 due to scartissue

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've lost 12 lbs (2 weeks out)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no