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

A co-worker, who also a bigger girl first talked to me about it. At first, I was reluctant. Thinking I could do it on my own, I soon realized after i said that, I've been overwieght since a child, and I couldnt do it on my own. I needed help.

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

Getting the approval was actually pretty easy for me. It just took a while to process. I first saw the surgeon in Sept 07. I didnt get a date till Feb 08.

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

My first vist with Dr. Randall was good. At first i was put off by him because thats just how i am. I then felt that he actually cared about how having this surgery could help me in so many ways. I knew i was unhealthy, and he was going to be my savior and help me get out of my unhealthy lifestyle.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my niece kept calling me a fatty. To have a small child that i love so much hurt me so badly. And it occured to me that if i continue to live the way that i did, I might not see her grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was a buddy up decision. I was actually interested in the Lap band at first. My co-worker actually convinced to do RNY because we could do it together, going through the motions and everything.

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 co-worker had her surgery first. She told me everything went great. I was healthier than she was, so I wasnt so worried about. I had a great surgeon, and a great team who took care of me afterwards. I tell others as long as you trust your surgeon and the team that they have, its all good.

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 was ok about my desicion. Really, they thought it was great that I was finally doing something about my obesity problem. My friends were very supportive. They were neverous at first, about the fact that it could be a life threathing surgery. But in a whole, they were great. Afterwards, both my friends and family have been great. Especailly my fiance. he took such good care of my during recovery, I couldnt have done it without him. I am very grateful of him for doing that.

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

The supporetd. It was my desicion to finally do it. I was out of work for 6 weeks. pleny of time to recover.

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

The hospital stay was good. I was always sleepy. I had to walk 3 times a day. I had my sugery done at noon. My dr wanted me to start walking that same night. Which was good because i needed to keep things moving. I was there for 4 days. By the 3rd day, i was ready to go home. Bring what your using to having everyday. limit it though. because there was a lot of sleeping going on.

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

No complications what so ever.

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 ansty about it. I just wanted to get it done and out if the way, so i could start my new life.

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

It was a little rough. the pain, was bearable. I had medicine to help me with the pain. And there was still alot of sleeping for the first 2 weeks at least. Walking is a good thing to do after the first couple of days. Eating was boring, because i was on a liquid diet for the first week, and then on to soft foods, then by the 3rd week, i was eating solids.

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

The hosiptal was just right outside of Boston, which was about a 25 min ride for me. It didnt affect me too much because I arranged for my father in law to pick me up.

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.

The first few weeks were alot of liquids and soft foods. By the 3rd, 4th week, I was eating solids and doing fine. I stay away from caffiene, I didnt like it to begin with, and also i try to limit myself to little sweets. No fried foods, it gave my dumping syndrome. Anywhere i eat out i choose light stuff, like salads and lots of stuff with protien. the most important substance you need to have a great recovery.

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

low impact. walking aorund lite housework,

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

I take a calcium vitamin twice a day. and a prenatal vitiamin at night. I just started taking probiotic supplements to help with digestion.

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?

The only side effect i felt was nasuea. To this day, I still have yet to throw up. I've dry heaved, but thas about it. Other than the nausea, I've been good.

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

Waiting for the insurance approval. It took so long!

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

There are monthly meetings that are held at the hospital, bot newcomers and post ops paitient attend. I try to go once every few months. I also go to the gym 5 days a week. Excercing is a big part of my life now. I try to stay active throughout most of my days, and I feel great too!

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

The scar is startiing to fade away. My dr said it would be at least a year before it started to fade. I was ver self consious about it at first, but then realize that it is a reminder of the incredible journey that I had embarked on. i'm proud of my zipper.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I average about 6 to 8 lbs a month. There are some weeks that i dont see any weight loss, but i just keep telling myself that if i keep on doing what i'm doing now, it should keep coming off. If there was a serious one like 1 month of nothing, then i would call my nutrionist.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. i'm still the same person as i was before, just shrinking now.