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

I am a nurse and 20 years ago had a patient who had the old gastric plication and did not do well. Then had 2 nurse friends who I never knew were overweight (both about size 10/12) told me in confidence they had RNY before moving here and they thought it would help me. But never really considered it..then a friend of mine who I hadnt seen in mos. who always weighed over 300 last 20 years had it done and was now normal weight..that sold me. Also there was a special on the learning channel about it and that really helped.

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

MY Blue Cross Federal was great...approval in 2 weeks first letter.

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

Wonderful..they had me come for free first consults and educated me on the surg. and what to expect and eat for the first year. Then got to talk to the DR. (she was awesome!)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I saw the pictures of others in the scrap book they had and one my friends had it done without complications and -120 lbs in her first 10 mos. postop.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Had RNY as I wanted it to be permanent and the one with best weight loss success.

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?

In my case I felt like it was a win/win situation...If I have surg. I lose the weight I had struggled with for 30 years...if I die then the fight would be over and I would be in heaven. I really felt like my life was so miserable that I had nothing to lose.

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?

They were totally against it...even DR. friends that I work with didnt want me to do it. But now they see -no complications and a person who looks great and is very happy. Even had a couple of them ask for their patients to get a referral to my DR. As far as my decision even against my family I knew this was the one thing (decision) I had to make for me and me alone.

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

Mostly nobody wanted me to do it...and said just keep dieting dont go that far. I work with 6 Dr.s and they didnt want me to do it but wished me well. I was back at work full time with open RNY in 3 weeks. (with no lifting of course)

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

My hospital stay was good-the nurses on the floor were helpful and understanding and even encouraging. I went home the morning of the 4th day. Things to bring-just usual personal hygiene things and robe/slippers.

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

Now 10 mos postop the only complication is gastric reflux- but easy to solve-my Dr. put me on Prilosec and I am doing great!

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 prayed about my decision and felt like it was right for me. I looked forward everyday to the day I might get some relief from the fight of obesity. I really wasnt nervous.

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

I was a little sore for about 10 days-but could get up and down- I tried to walk around the house and stay up as much as possible as this helps you recover and get rid of the soreness sooner. I started driving around close to home on the 11th day. AS FAR as diet....you need to follow the dietary guidelines exactly on what you can and can not eat..take your vitamin and protein supple- ments and drink lots of water or sugar free crystal light or something like that. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO LET YOURSELF GET DEHYDRATED OR TO LOW ON YOUR PROTEIN!

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

I travel 2 1/2 hours to the DR. but it is worth it...she was wonderful...and still 10 mos. postop she and her staff continue to support me 100 %!!!! Aftercare- I went every 3 mos. and next year will go once every 6 mos.

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...mostly liquids & jello...but by the 2nd week was allowed to slowly add oatmeal, eggs, certain veggies and really was surprised at how many different things I could eat. The only foods totally off limits to me is anything greasy/heavily fried or really spicy...I just cant tolerate these type foods... but again I am amazed..I can eat just about anything I want. And its funny I no longer crave foods-and really dont like meat that much anymore...I eat so much better now.

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

I did alot of moving around and walking even right after surgery. I have learned from other surgery not to just sit around-it is much better to move around alot-helps the soreness go away. I was driving in 11 days.

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

I take a multivitamin daily-and used several protein drinks. My favorite shake was the ensure sugar free chocolate. I used Flintstone chewable vitamins at first but now a regular size vitamin pill to swallow works fine.

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 never had dumping or nausea or sleep disturbance...but I did have a little hair loss at about the 4-6 mos postop period but taking vitamins and protein shakes my hairdresser says my hair is thicker than she has ever seen it. Vomiting-I do that from time to time if I eat something I can not tolerate or doesnt digest good- I have found you cant eat too much, too fast and you must chew very good.

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

The first 2 days postop-hard getting up and out of the bed to the bathroom.

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

My Dr. office has a support group but I dont attend as it is 2 1/2 hour drive. I find talking to friends who have had this done and the internet sites as this one and spotlighthealth.com have helped me alot.

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

I had open RNY so my scar is about 10-12 inches long but fading and healing nicely. Yes this is the scar I expected and worth having!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

10 mos postop have not yet had any plateau's.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes-with more respect...get compliments daily from co-workers, Dr.'s I work with and patients who have noticed...and I get men that flirt and do double takes or stare.