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

My friend had it and was doing great. So I decided to look into it. My initial impressions were scared, but excited.

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

My ins. is capenters blue cross and I got approval with my 1st letter.

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

I researched the surgery on line and then went to see him for the first time with 3 pages of questions. I think that people can get the most out of their 1st meeting by being prepared. Research the surgery, read a book about it, or watch a tape, and write down all the questions they might have. Bring the questions with them so they don't forget what they want to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tried of struggling with my weight and being unhappy!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After I researched the different procedures the RNY seemed like it 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 was so scared to have the operation. I never had any kind of surery before or experienced any kind of pain so I did not even know what I was in for. But, I knew that the complications from surgery far out weigh the complications of life long obesity and the risk factors that go with that.

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, parents, sister, brother-in-law, mother-in-law, and two best friends have supported me through the whole experience. All of them came with me to the hospital the day of my surgery and stayed in hotels for the 2 days following. I had tons of support every step of the way.

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

When I went to tell my boss I was scared of what she would think. As I started to tell her she told me that she was having it done too. And exactly had it done 2 days before me at a different hospital. I am a neonatal nurse and work with over 90 people in my unit. I had to tell everyone why I was taking a medical leave, and I was so worried about their reactions. But, everyone was great and supportive. The unit sent me flowers while I was at home recovering, and called to check up on me. Everyone was wonderful.

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 3 days. I had the surgery done Fri morning and went home mon morning. The staff at the hospital was great. Everyone was so nice and helped me when ever I needed soemthing or had a question. They also accomidated my family and friends as well. As far as things to bring with you: 2-3 pj gowns, slippers, and a robe are essential. I lived in these the entire time.

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

When I woke up from surgery my stomach was spasming so I had to get some medication shots in my arms every 4 hours. After the second day the spasms stopped and I felt a million times better.

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

The first few weeks were hard because you can not do everything for yourself, but you manage through it. Every day you feel a little bit better. My friend bought me a journal and I wrote in it everyday about my struggles physically and emotionally. I think that journaling helped me a lot.

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

You feel tired and weak. Expect to take a lot of naps and not do to much.

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

I traveled 2 1/2 hrs. to the BTC, IL. for my surgery and now for my aftercare. I go with a friend or my husband and we make a day out of it. We go shopping and out to lunch in the cities around the BTC and then drive home in the evening.

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.

1st week clear liquids 2nd and 3rd week full liquids 4th week soft 5th week soft and puree meat 6th week solids I did not get sick from anything. Once I got to solids I tried all kinds of food and nothing has bothered me yet.

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

The first month my energy level was very low. The second month my energy sky rocketed. I have tons of energy even more then before my surgery.

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

2 bugs bunny children chewable vitamines a day

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 was nauseated a lot for the first few weeks and then it went away and has not come back. I took pepcid 2x a day for the first 6 weeks which I think helped.

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

The muscle spasms I felt in my stomach after surgery. They hurt so bad that I cried. Then I got shots to make them stop in my arms every 4 hours around the clock. By the 3rd day postop they were gone and things got a lot easier.

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

I go to a support group by my house the 3rd Wed. of every month. I think that this is very helpful to meet with other people who have had the surgery and are going through the same changes that I am.

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

It is very long. It goes from my breast bone area to my bely button and then around my belly button to the left and down a few more inches. It is bigger then I expected, but it is worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at 30 lbs and stayed there for 3 weeks and then I started losing again and haven't stopped yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people paying attention to the way my clothes fit me. My best friend said to me that shirt does not pull across your butt any more.