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

Years ago an aunt of mine had one of the first procedures being done and suffered terribly. She nearly lost her life and only by extreme measures was she able to survive. That was probably 35 years ago, she is still alive but weighs nearly 400 lbs. I was terrified of bariatric surgery!

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

I was denied by my primary insurance because they wanted me to show 6-months of a Drs supervised weight loss program within the last year. I was 58 years old and have spent the better part of my life on some sort of diet and usually always with some kind of horrible result, let alone the fact that I always re-gained any weight that I had managed to lose. I am still battling insurance claims.

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

It was a relief to finally meet my surgeon in an actual sit down, face to face! Up until that point I felt like a robot in a herd..... I had done my research, and I knew he was one of the best. I had written all my questions down and would recommend this for anyone who hasn't yet met their Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that my dieting days were over and I saw the surgery as my last chance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That for me was simple! This was going to be my last attempt to lose all this weight, I didn't want any procedure that I had control over such as the band. I opted for the RNY

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?

The only fear I had was a possiblity of having scar tissue that might either interfere with the actual surgery itself, or closeing up the opening after surger. All these fears were put to rest after discussing them with my surgeon, and having a positive attitude.

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 really didn't care about anyones reaction to my decision, I had made up my mind that I was doing this for ME. My husband had a problem with it, and I truthfully think that he just didn't understand the whole procedure. He has seen me yo-yo so many times over the years that he just seemed to view this as just another crazy diet that I was trying. In his mind it was the "easy way out" <<<---- his words!

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

VERY supportive, all of them!!! I was only off 2-weeks, and probably could have gone back sooner because I felt so good!

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

piece of cake! I had already been pre-admitted so my daughter took me early in the morning, I had the surgery around 9:00am and was up and walking that afternoon. The staff were awesome and never once made me feel like I was anything but someone very special!!

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

Nope... none

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

As long as I followed all the instructions and eating plans given to me by my Dr. I felt great. The only problem I had, and it really wasn't a problem, was that I was NEVER hungry. I had to force myself to remember to eat. And once I completey forgot that I was only a week out and grabbed an ice cold water and took a big gulp!!! THAT HURT.... dont do that............ I immediately cramped up

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

As long as you do what your supposed to, eat only what you know you should you'll be fine. Your stomach will feel like someone used it for a punching bag but so what !! It reminded me that I had just had a major procedure done, and every day it would hurt less. Just grit your teeth and get up and WALK WALK WALK

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

I only had to travel about 10 miles, not far at all. I drive further than that everyday to work. My aftercare was minimal, I really didn't need anything. The dust waited as well as the dirty clothes!

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.

Like I've already stated, I have really tried to only eat what the Dr has recomended. High protein foods, stay away from starchy foods and breads. I have tried to eat sweets and always end up being sorry, and for that I'm happy! I don't get what they refer to as "dumping" but will definetly get nauseous and its not pleasant. I love it. I already don't miss all the pastries and such, chocolate also makes me sick to my stomach, not worth it either!

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

Slow at first, seemed to have constant backaches, but I think it was from the way I held myself. I kinda walked bent forward, (my stomach hurt, duh) but once I figured out to walk standing straight up, and gradually being able to more or less hold my stomach in I felt better.

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

I've been on a multiple vitamin, calcium supplement and just recently they added B1. I'm still looking for a more agreeable calcium supplement than the HORRIBLE chewable tablets, and the calcium citrate pills are so huge they're hard to get down.

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'm only 6 months out from surgery, no hair loss or dumping. Still have some trouble now and then with nausea but only after I've eaten something that I knew ahead of time I shouldn't eat !!! I've only vomited a few times, and again because of something I shouldn't have eaten. I think the worse side effect that everyone has, me included, is when you don't chew enough, and eat too fast. The opening plugs up, and its quite painful. Doesn't last long though, and eventually you learn not to do that...... Good Thing!

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

nothing ?

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

The NEW Program has a year long life management support group that meets twice monthly. I've found that I personally have had more success and support from online groups, and talking or emailing other patients who have gone through the same procedures. They have all been helpful and you can usually get answers to any questions you might have at any hour of the day!!!

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

I had the laproscopic surgery done and after 6 months you cant even see them

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've only just recently began having plateaus, but my Dr. explained that anywhere from 9-months to a year the body begins to reach its malabsorbtion balance and unless you continue to exercise you will have pretty much lost most of what you are going to from the surgery, so I'm not suprised.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yeah, I just smile and say thank you. I know its still me