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

I first found out about bariatric surgery when my father had it in Feb. 2000. When I seen the results on him, I knew it was for me. My father lost 165 pounds within his first year. To me thats success! 8 Months later my mother had it done and she looks great! at 8 months post op she lost 80 pounds and is happy. 7 months after her, I ventured and had WLS done myself. So far Im 3 months post op and 60 pounds lighter and even though Im still in alot of pain from the bursitis, Im happy about the weight loss and I know that eventually the pain will subside.

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

I had no problem with getting approval from my insurance company. Once my insurance letter was sent in, 2 days later I had approval.

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

When I went to visit the surgeon for the first time, I went prepared. I typed out a list of questions I wanted answered. That way I wouldnt forget anything. He was very impressed that I did that. Thats what to do if you want to get the most of your first meeting with your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The main reason I decided to have this surgery is because of the intense amount of pain I was in. The 2nd reason was the weight. I needed to get it off and the fact the WLS would mean I wouldnt gain it back ...made my decision easy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have the MGB (mini gastric bypass), which my parents had done. At that time, however, the Dr. stopped doing it for a while to prove it worked and my insurance company wasnt paying for it, until the surgery was proven and not "investigational". So I decided on my 2nd choice of the RNY. It is close enough to the MGB, that I was satisfied.

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?

My fears grew more and more as the surgery date approached. I thought I was going to die on the table and leave my daughter and husband behind. I said alot of prayers and made preparations just in case that did happen. I knew there was a risk I was going to have to take. Just remember that the numbers of complications of death are very low, but please take precautions just in case. Say your goodbyes before you cant.

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 supported my decision to have the RNY 100%. My husband was harder to convince but he didnt take long to realize I was going to have this done with or without his support but with his support I would have been happier. So he decided to support me.

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

My stay in the hospital was fine. The nurses were great! Just dont plan on getting any sleep while your there. The most important thing I found to bring is some sanitary pads or tampons just in case your monthly cycle could pop in for a visit. Mine did, the day after surgery and it was horrible. The nurses understood, but being on heperin (Blood thinner) I had blood everywhere, and they kept wanting to check to see if I was bleeding from any incision I had. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I was ready to go home to get cleaned up and get some rest!

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

From the time I got my surgery date, til my surgery, I had 2 weeks to deal with it. I stayed busy, cleaned my house and got things in order so I wouldnt have to do anything once I got home. The time flew by. The last few days I was a nervous wreck thinking what if I die. Well thats a chance I was going to have to take and I said my goodbyes to my family and daughter and made my peace. Thankfully the Good Lord seen I was still needed here on this earth!

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

Allow yourself to heal for the first few weeks after you get home. Dont do anything major, even if you feel you need to. Have a friend or a family member come by and clean up for you and do a load of laundry. You shouldnt take any chances on your insicion and popping staples. Get some rest, thats the best way to heal. I have a Great Husband that helped me out. I got plenty of time to rest and heal!

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

I had to drive about two hours one way to have my surgery. It was well worth it too me. It didnt affect my aftercare so much, I had to go back up to see my surgeon a month after my surgery. After that I just seen my PCP for anything I needed.

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

I have to take one chewable vitamin a day. It has everything in it I need including calcium and Iron. Its a complete Vitamin. Thats all I am required to take.

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?

In the beginning I was having some sleep disturbances because of the gas pressure in my tummy. I tossed and turned alot. I have had two experinences that I have vomited because I ate something that was to gassy for me to tolerate and my tummy didnt want it. One was spinich and the other was steamed cabbage. I just stay away from that now. I have had some major hair loss, but my hair is really thick anyway so no one but me has even noticed it. I like it a bit thinner. I hear usually after the 4th month post op your hair starts coming back in. I have 2 weeks to go :)

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

I think the worst part of the surgery process was finding the right surgeon and waiting for my approval and date.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had two plateaus since my surgery. I dont get discouraged because I know that when I go through this Im losing alot of inches and this is the time my inches catch up with my weight loss. Thats so I wont have hanging skin, which I do not have. I will usually be on a plateau for a week or so then Boom mega weight loss 12 - 15 pounds right off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I dont get stared at the way I used too when I was MUCH bigger.