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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from a coworker who was thinking about having the procedure. I did not think that it would be something for me, but the more research I did on it I really began to feel that I can do this!

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

Insurance approval was the worst!! I began to think that it was a nightmare that I would never wake up from. I kept thinking with my health already going down and my family history how can a sane person deny me of coverage for this procedure. My advice to those of you who are waiting though is not to give up! It'll happen for you as long as you keep thinking positive!!

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was nothing really interesting. I had done a lot of research on this procedure so I didn't have a lot of questions. I do think though if you don't understand anything or question anything on the procedure...then that is the time to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband and I do want to have children one day and I knew that I would never be a mommy at the weight I was. I also did it for myself and my mom. My mother died a little over 3 years ago and she always wanted me to lose the weight. I want to make her proud!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided because I knew that with the cravings are hard for me to fight and that I would also want to not go through "dumping" syndrome so the Roen Y seemed the best for me. I also have noticed that the weightloss seems more significant with that procedure with the research I did.

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 did fear that I wouldn't make it through surgery, because I am so extremely overweight I knew that it was a risk a great risk for me. But I knew that the risk of dying from obesity was greater than the risk of surgery. My surgeon also being a skilled heart surgeon made me relax more about the procedure. If you are afraid to have the procedure think about how afraid you will be to have to live your life not to the fullest! That thought scare's me more!

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?

My family and friends were extremely supportive! They were so happy to hear that I had decided to have the WLS. My husband and sisters were there for me the entire time. I could never thank them enough for their support!

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

My supervisor felt that if it was something that I needed to do then to go ahead with it. I was out of work for 4 weeks under FMLA.

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 okay. I was in there for 4 days. I didn't get any rest...request a private room!!! The most important thing to bring is...if you're a woman with long hair either braid or pull up your hair and your toothbrush! The taste of nothing in your mouth is awful!!

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

I had no complications.

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 very excited! I only had to wait a few weeks. I was a little nervous, but not too bad. I did make sure to eat my favorite "fatty foods" before surgery though, because I knew that my relationship with those foods would soon be over!!

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

My first few weeks home from the hospital were difficult. I had to depend on my husband to do a lot for me. Unfortunately I could not even reach to wipe myself after using the restroom. He did everything for me...even when my period started...he was supportive enough to learn how to insert a tampon for me!! I love him so much!!! You should expect to be unable to do some things for yourself though so if you have someone to help you trust me...just ask!!!

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

My surgery was only about 40 minutes from my home...it did not affect my aftercare.

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.

Following surgery I was straining my soup and eating some crackers with cream cheese or can cheese and sugar-free popsicles. At about 2 weeks after surgery they let me start on instant potatoes...that was so good to me then!! Now I am 6 weeks post op and beef...like steak or roast is off limits, bread (unless toasted), ice cream...just about anything that I can't chew really well is off limits!! My tolerance hasn't really changed much. I just have to accept that I can't eat everything that I want to.

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

I didn't do a lot of activity. I walked not a lot at first, but I have worked up to at least half an hour five time's a week. I was tired and got that way fast...at about 2 weeks after surgery I started walking more.

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

I have been taking childrens chewables vitamins and still looking for a calcium pill that I can swallow.

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 haven't experienced dumping yet..hoping I won't either. I had little vomiting and nausia..mostly from the anesthetic I was told. My hair is starting to thin out now, but I have a lot so hopefully that won't be to bad!!

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

The worst part of the surgery was waking up and feeling the pain. It does hurt!! I won't lie to you. Also getting out of bed for the first time was pretty painful, but I would do it all over again!!

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

I am going to my first support group meeting this weekend! I think this will help me a lot!!

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

My scar is not too bad...it is about 10 inches long and still a little sensitive, but yes it is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had them yet! :-)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, everyone keeps telling me you look good!! hahaha...they never said that before!!hehehe