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

I first heard of bariatric surgery through a commercial on televion. It was for a center that is in Illinois. I cried as I watched the commercial because I could relate to it. I called the number and sent for the information. But I did not want to go all the way to Illinois from Wisconsin to have a procedure done. When I finally made up my mind, I found that there were several surgeons right in my own state!!

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

When dealing with Aetna insurance, my suggestions is to gather your information first. They want at least 6 months supervised weight loss within two years of your request, plus you must have other health risks.

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

It was a group session and was very informative. They talked a lot about the lap band, which I knew I did not want. I think that people should listen but also do their own research, especially through Obesityhelp.com. This is where I got the most information from people who had "been there and done that".

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was in so much pain all the time. I could barely walk without stopping to catch my breath. My legs, back and feek hurt all the time. I was just tired of hurting.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I needed a restrictive surgery based on my consumption. I elected to have the RNY but I decided to have it done laproscopically. It turned out to be the right decision.

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 had no fear of dying. With the condition I was in going into surgery, death would have been welcomed, if I could not get any relief. I would tell other people that if it is so bad that you cannot stand it anymore, you won't have a fear of death.

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 husband and daughter were very supportive and so were the friends that I did tell. Everyone knew my condition and was happy that I was taking a final solution to solve my problems.

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

They were very supportive. My supervisor told me to take all the time I needed to get my health together. They have been with me through all the bad times and were happy that I made the decision.

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

I was in the hospital for two days and the stay was pretty good. I had control of the heat in my room, so when it got a little to chilly, I could change the temperature. I think the most important thing to bring is a small pillow, a pair of tongs (I used a backscratcher) for personal hygiene, as I could not imagine asking anyone to "wipe me", vaseline to moisturize your lips, comb and brush. I brought books but did not need them. Utilize the extra pillows if they are there and if not get some

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

I had adhesions from a previous abdominal surgery and because I elected to have a laproscopic surgery there was problems with the adhesions but Dr. Chua worked around them and was able to perform the lap.

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

AFter surgery, I felt fine. I had a little pain but nothing to worry about. I did not have any anxiety after the surgery. I was happy it was over and was prepared to live the rest of my life healthier.

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

The first week I spent a lot of time just moving around in my bedroom. I would get up and walk around, go to the toliet, sit in a chair but I didn't do much. Second week I was stronger and could do a little more. Third week, I could eat strained foods and could go down stairs with no problem. I would have pain only in bending over. Fourth week, no pain, at all. I still have trouble with my arthritic knee though, but my feet no longer hurt like they use to and I can walk longer than I could prior to the surgery.

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

Not far at all.

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.

Week three, I could eat anything, if I chewed it well. I found that I cannot eat foods that are reheated in the microwave. It has to be freshly cooked or if I reheat it, it must be done on the stove with a little water added. I have developed a love for grapefruit for some reason. I can't chew it well enough but I can suck the juice out of it and it tastes so refreshing.

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

As the days progress so does my activity level.

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

I take a multi vitamin, my high blood meds, a calcium supplement, silingual b12 and I take a protein drink and bars.

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 not had any of the above except vomiting and that was because I was not chewing well enough and swallow to large amounts of food. I learned and am learning.

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

Not being able to chug a glass of water or juice. Or eat a handful of french fries. Actually that is what is stopping me from eating fries. Eating them one at a time takes the fun away and that certain taste I would get from shoving three or four of them in my mouth(smile)

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

There is a support group that meets but I have not attended it yet. I think it is real important to be in a group that support what you have done. You share information and receive information that can only help you.

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

I had lap so I only have six little scars. They are healing nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since lost the first 22 pounds my feet don't hurt anymore.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I am still to big to affect any change in the way people see me right now. I am sure that as I lose the weight I will be viewed differently and treated differently.