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

I heard about it way back in the 70's and was not that impressed. Now it's more technical and advanced and a lot more reliable and safe.

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

PERSISTENCE. I got denied twice. If you fall into the parameters of the bariactric surgery, DON'T GIVE UP. Keep appealing until they get tired of hearing from you and just approve you to shut you up.

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

I was scared I wouldn't be a candidate. You can get the most out of the meeting by doing your research. What is the criteria for having this surgery, what kind of surgery are you interested in, what is involved in pre and post op. What about a support group?

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I measured my height, I was 5'3" instead of 5'4". I had been looking at the wrong weight chart and my BMI was 39 instead of 34. My mother is morbidly obese and confined to a wheelchair. I saw my future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had heard a lot of good things about Dr. Anez (Fairfax, VA) and decided the RNY was the best for me.

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 heard all the horror stories, I was more afraid of what was going to happen AFTER surgery. I read and re-read the bookle Dr. Anez gave me as well as the Nutritionist's guide. I guess because I knew what to expect, I wasn't really surprised and I knew what to do.

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?

I was pretty open about it, most were very supportive. It's been 12 weeks and they're still very supportive and "proud of me."

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

She was the third one I told, after my husband and mother. She was very excited for me. I was out for one week, then went back part-time for the next week. I did go home and crash at the end of the day. Was back full time by the third week. NOTE: This is highly irregular for recovery. I have always healed quickly, and I get extremely bored sitting around.

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

BORING! I was in for 2-days. I was passing gas, so they let me go a day early. Book, magazine, something to keep you occupied.

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?

Scared, excited, and everything in between. To cope with anxiety, I ate.

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

TAKE IT EASY! I was very weak and slept a lot the first week.

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

It was about 16 miles. My office is about 3 miles from the doctor's office so it wasn't bad.

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 was pretty much eating anything within reason without a problem. I just had to remember to CHEW! Off limits are sweets, only because I don't want to experience another dumping (the only time I regretted having the surgery). So far the only thing that "sits there" is pork ribs. The Papaya Enzyme helps here, but I'll wait a little longer to try again.

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

Getting better all the time.

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

The ones the nutritionist told me to take: 2 multi-vitamins B-12 Calcium Iron 2 Protien 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 have been sleeping GREAT! Have had two dumping episodes, one from sweet and one from eating too fast. I was also loosing hair, so I upped my protien intake.

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

That dang scar, which will fade with time.

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

Fairfax Staple Club. They have been great! I recommend a support group to anyone even considering the surgery.

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

It's about 5", wider on the bottom than the top. I've never had major surgery so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm using Shea Butter on it and my doctor says it looks fantastic.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

One for about 2 weeks. I guess I should consider myself lucky.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, maybe it's because I smile more.