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

Began getting information from the internet and going to prop and support groups before I made a decision. There is a lot out there regarding the subject,but be careful and read all that you can find before making a decision

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

CIGNA covers surgery, but you must go through a 6 month workup

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

Did not meet the surgeon for 4 months then got to meet him for results of my endoscopy. I met with a very knowledgable Nurse practioner much of the time. All questions were answered to my satisfaction

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Family reunion 2009. My arthritic pain in my hip, knees and back was at an all time high. I couldn't join in any activities because of my size, pain, and lack of energy

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My MD found a large hiatal hernia and gastric paresis at my endoscopy causing me to change from LapBand to bypass surgery

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?

Although I am a nurse, I have fears of having my insides rerouted for this surgery. I am hoping that my sessions with the psychologist will help me sort my feelings out

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?

Everyone supportive but 1 sister-in-law and a few overly concerned co-workers

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

Surprised since I only weighed 218#. But after I informed them of my other co-morbidities, they were supportive with my decision.

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

Was in the hospital(including day of surgery)3 days as I also had a hiatal hernia repair. All I rally needed was a toothbrush and chapstick.

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

No, Just pain. And then there was "buyer's remorse" the second day since I felt so bad.

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

Anxious but excited

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

Very sore and just deconditioned. Most pain was in my left side. I am a side sleeper and found it very hard to get comfortable.

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

I'm only about 20 miles from the surgeon and the hospital so there is no difficulty getting back or attending support meetings

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.

The only thing that I still have problems with(6months out) is beef or hamburger. My pouch does not like these.

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

Pretty much just walking for 3-4 weeks then went back to working 12 hour shifts

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

Vit D,Calcium,Vitamin B12 along with various protein shakes

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 don,t dump on carbs or sweets. Just recently started loosing/thinning hair. It is quite disturbing

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

Watching others eat what I can't or couldn't eat

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

Monthly support meetings hosted by a bariatric nurse who is also a WLS patient of 6 years.

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

My scars are keloid scars. Nothing new for me as that is how I heal. A little ugly, but not many people will be looking at my stomach

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since 4 months out my wt loss has only been about 7 lbs.