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

A friend at work and my boss both in the same day asked if I had ever looked into surgery for weight loss. At first I was scared to admit I had become what I always feared 300+ lbs.

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

I called my insurance company to see if they covered the surgery, then I called my family doctor, my gyn doctor, and my endocrinologist asking them all to write a letter to the insurance company backing me on my decision to have surgery.

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

My first visit was long. He likes to get a feel of were you are mentally and emotionally. He asked personal questions that made me uncomfortable about the way I ate and what I ate, how long had I been fat and if I came from a fat family and was I raising fat children.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired and I finally broke 300lbs.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After test that my surgeon requested he decided that the RNY was the surgery 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?

My biggest fear was not the surgery it self, but going to sleep and waking up from anesthesia. Just know that your OR Team will take the very best care of you.

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 and friends have been overwhelmingly supportive.

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

The surgery was my bosses idea and they have been very supportive. I blocked out 8wks to be off but I returned in 5wks.

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 4 days. 2 nights in ICU. My care there was excellent. Don't bring alot to the hospital. Just bring basic hygene needs, houseshoes and a robe.

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

I had no complications. Thank the Lord!

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 received my date several months before my surgery. I chose to wait until after the holidays to have surgery. I was excited to see what is under all this fat.

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

If you get up and get active and start walking the soreness goes away faster.

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

My hospital was only 30 to 45 min. from my home.

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 3 weeks all I had was clear liquid. That was the hardest. I wanted to chew something! Once you get to start soft foods it gets much better.

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

I was tired for 3wks before I started to really walk for exercise.

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

I take 2 childrens vitamins, 6 Tums and a protien drink daily.

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 thing I'm having trouble with is my hair is falling out. I'm not sure how much is the surgery and how much is my Thyroid. Added protien is what helps the hair loss.

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

There is no worst part, the worst for me is being 300+ lbs.

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

I have a pyscologist that works with WLS patients and with my surgeon. I see him every 6 weeks.

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

It's about 4 inches.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They all are excited to see the weight coming off.