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

My husband used to work as a medical sales rep. He had heard about the surgery 4 years ago (before my weight really went up), through one of the hospitals he frequented. When I moved back by my parents, my Mom told me a friend's daughter had it done and was doing great! Then I found out that my own boss had it done. After I found that out.. I was constantly bugging her about every little question I could think of. She looks soo good and it has been a year. She has been the biggest help in giving me confidence to get this done. She has answered each and every question and even showed me her scar. If it weren't for her, I know I would have completely chickened out!

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

The insurance approval went very smoothly. I only had to wait about 2 1/2 days. My husband found out from a very nice rep that if everything was faxed, it would shave off about a month. I was originally told it would take a month. They have been great to work with!

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

My first visit was good. It seemed kind of quick. Probably because most of my questions were answered in advance, by calling the office. The first general meeting before the doctor, was also very informative. Dr. Goodman was a very nice man.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After seeing all the weight my boss has lost and how healthy and happy she looks, it really helped push my decision. Then the more I looked at this website and saw all the people that this surgery has helped, I knew I needed to have it done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I asked Dr. Goodman if I could have the Lap, and he said that my BMI was too great. He also told me that there were still quite a few complications with the Lap type and some people have had to go back in for the open R-NY. He said that most people are just scheduled with the open R-NY. I am okay with that.

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 am terrified about my throat hurting after surgery. After my first c-section where I was put under a general anesthesia, my throat was so dry and hurt so bad the first 2 days afterwards. I am also scared to death about the drainage tube. Having an IV is bad enough, let alone a tube draining blood, etc., out of my stomach incision. YUCK!!

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 have told only a few family members. They thought that the decision was too drastic and if I didn't have the willpower now to lose the weight, what makes me think I won't have it after surgery. I briefly tried to explain more about the surgery, but I could tell that they weren't really listening. With them seeing is believing anyway. And that is okay, too.

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

My boss had just celebrated her year anniversary date from gastric bypass and was very supportive of my decision. She allowed me to take a personal leave for the surgery. However, when I ended up being nauseas for A LOT longer than thought, she was no longer understanding. I wasn't even nearing the time I was supposed to be back and she had people under her, call my house and bug me everyday for about a week.. wondering when I was coming back. I finally said, forget it! I am NOT coming back. My nausea subsided after about 3 months. There was no way I was going to go to work and throw up at my desk!!

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

My stay was okay. I was allergic to the pain meds, so it was not fun. For the most part, the nurses were kind. There was one in the end who was awful. She got mad at me for not getting up and walking like I was supposed to. She slammed my pain meds shot in my stomach and pushed the meds in fast. It hurt so bad that it made me cry. I had been asking her for something for the pain and she didn't want me to get anything.

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

Just the pain meds. I was switched from Morphine to Demoral as I was terribly nauseous. Then the Demoral made me feel the same and I ended up getting shots for pain instead of the IV.

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 terrified of complications. I felt better after reading entries on this webpage from people who had the surgery. I also received emails from people and it helped me tremendously.

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

I was drowsy all the time and didn't really want to get out of bed because of the pain. It was great to see the scale magically go down, but I wasn't feeling well and couldn't really jump for joy. I made my husband cook for himself and the kids because the smell of food from downstairs made me sick. I left the area when he was cooking. I also found that I could only drink ice cold bottled water and THAT'S IT!

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

I had to travel about an hour South of my house.

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.

Right after surgery I ate mostly broth, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other cheeses. I tried ground beef and threw it up the first time because I didn't chew it well enough and didn't know how big a bite I could handle. I graduated to deli meats and ate a lot of soups for a long time. I also got real sick of the first foods I ate and took a break on those. For a drink, I used to blend Crystal Light and yougurt and ice. It was very good, but I couldn't drink very much. I am at a year now and can eat almost anything. I try to avoid breads still because I won't have room for other things. I still have bites of sugary things, but too much and I get sick.

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

For three months after surgery I felt awful. I would occassionally walk outside or on a treadmill when a family member coaxed me too. Definitely no regularity with exercise until about the 4th month. I had more energy by then. In my 6th month, I started running for the first time in my life and have been running ever since. I love it! I always feel good the rest of the day after running.

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

I tried Flintstones chewables and couldn't stand the taste. They gagged me after awhile and I stopped taking anything for at least a month or two. The doctor wasn't happy about it, but I was nauseas all the time. Then I bought Women's One A Day vitamins when I was able to swallow pills better (probably 4 months). I have been taking calcium pills, too. I started out with Tums for that. I had no problem there. I discontinued all prescription medications the day before surgery. That was a personal goal and it has been wonderful!

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?

Nausea was the worst and lasted for 3 months. The hair loss was not fun and seemed to last forever, but did stop and I still have short, new hairs growing in at a year postop.

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

The first 3 months were the worst, then life afterwards has been wonderful. It is frustrating in those first months physically and mentally, but they pass quickly. Before I knew it, I was at a year!

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

The local hospital has a support group meeting every second wednesday of the month. I should have attended more in the beginning, but have enjoyed the past 6 months tremendously. It is an ego boost when you get further from your surgery date and shrink so quickly. There are always newcomers and it's fun to share your experiences. I also found helpful hints there when I was on plateaus.

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

The top is much wider due to the incisional strips coming lose within days after surgery. I could have done something about it, but didn't. The rest is very thin and getting very light now. It is much better than I thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a steady weightloss so far. I might have the occassional plateau for about 2 weeks at the beginning of each month, then toward the end of the month, start to lose again. I know it's different for everyone.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! Not only do men glance and stare, but women in stores actually ask if I need any help. Before I was basically ignored.