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

I had seen commercials and have friends that have had it done. I thought it was a wonderful thing, but never really considered it for myself. But once my insurance changed, it became a reality for me.

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

My insurance company was awesome. They approved me right away. Someone called me personally to tell me that I was approved. They have been very easy to deal with.

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

I liked Dr. Marymor. He knows what he's talking about and gets right to the point. He answered all of my questions and made sure that I understood everything that he had talked about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that this was for me. I have tried many times to lose the weight on my own and was unsuccesful. I want to be healthy and not have to worry about having a heart attack, stroke, diabetes or anything else that may cut my life short.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As far as I know, the BTC in Ypsilanti only does open 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?

I have no fears whatsoever about this surgery. I look at as my rebirth. I would reccomend this to anyone who is overweight and has tried to lose weight.

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?

At first my family didn't think that I should do this. But I kept giving them information about it. After they saw how determined I was to do this, they changed their opinions on it.

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

My employer has been wonderful. They have been very accomodating to me.

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

My hospital stay was great. I got wonderful care all 3 days I was there. I found the best thing to have while in the hospital was a fan. I had serious temperature issues after surgery. I was always hot. Other than that, I didn't need any of the stuff I had brought. They provide everything for you.

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

No complications at all.

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 so excited when I finally got my date! It seemed like forever and a day until the actual surgery. The week before surgery I started getting anxious. I cried a lot, more from frustration than being scared. I just wanted it over and done with.

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

I had no problems when I came home. I had originally planned to stay at my parents house, but decided on the way home from the hospital that I didn't need to. I was able to take care of myself.

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

I had to travel about an hour and fifteen minutes. Not bad 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.

Nothing tasted the same to me. Things that used to smell good no longer did. The best thing that I found was skim milk. It tasted exactly the same as before surgery. I really have not found anything that I cannot tolerate yet. I am just starting soft foods tomorrow. Of course I am staying away from sugar and fat.

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

The first week I tried to walk at least 3 times a day for about 15 minutes. After that, I was able to walk for a half hour at a time, 3 times a day. Now I take a 2 mile walk every night.

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

I take the sugar free bugs bunny w/ iron. 2x 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?

My worst problem has been insomnia. I am on my second different round of sleeping pills. I have not had any problems with nausea, vomiting or dumping this far. ( 5 weeks)

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

The first few hours after surgery. The pain was terrible, but even then I never regretted having it done. You forget the pain.

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

I have my wonderful friends, family and co-workers. They have all been wonderful.

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

Its a straight line from below my breasts to a slight curve around my belly button. It is exactly like I thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't weighed myself in between check-ups, so I don't know if I have plateaued yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are watching me. Most everyone knows what I have had done, so they are looking at me closer and watching my progress.. Makes me a littl uncomfortable all the attention.