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

I saw an advertisement on T.V. At first I didn't believe it. I had tried so many diets that I thought they surgery was just another scam or disappointment.

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

I had a very hard time getting insurance approval for the surgery. Quite a few years ago I had tried to get approved and they turned me down. I then gained large amounts of weight years later. I then started getting sick quite a bit. My doctor told me that I had to do something or I was going to die of obesity. I then tried to get approved again. I had a primary care and a diabetes specialist who helped me out a lot. They faught for me. My advice is try to get as many of your doctors as you can to write letters to your insurance company. My insurance company is Care Choices HMO. They were sent my whole medical history. All the medications that I was on. How the weight was affecting me physical & mentally. How it was affecting my job and everyday life. If your insurance company turns you down don't give up.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was O.K. We really didn't talk much because I work at a hospital and know many people who have had the surgery done so I was pretty educated about everything before I went in. If you want a good first visit make sure you bring in a list of questions. You have so much on your mind and you are nervous so you have a tendency to forget things when you get there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when my doctor told me that if I didn't I probably wouldn't live much longer. I also was having so much trouble walking due to back, hip and leg pain that I was afraid I was going to end up in a wheelchair. I didn't want that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of research on the internet. I also talked to a few people I know who had the surgery and got their opinions. I then discussed it with the surgeon on which procedure he felt would be more effective. He recommended the Gastric bypass.

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 dying. I thought about it and then realized their was nothing to be afraid of. If I didn't get the surgery I was going to die. I knew I had more of a chance with the surgery then without.

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 were very supportive of my decision to have the surgery. They were actually very excited. They also have been very supportive after surgery. They check on me to make sure I am O.K. and they are always their for me when I need some support.

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

My supervisor was so excited and happy for me. My supervisor has known me for quite a few years so she knows what I have been dealing with as far as my weight. She has been very supportive through this whole process. I was out of work for 2 months.

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

My hospital stay was not as pleasant has I would have liked. My particular hospital was still learning as far as the bariatric surgery etc. I was in the hospital for about 4 days. I think the most important things to bring is chapstick and something to do.

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

I had a complication. When I got home from the hospital I ended up back in the hospital 4 days later. I got an infection around my pouch. It was very painful. They had me in the hospital several more days so that they could give me antibiotic and keep and eye on me to make sure their wasn't anything wrong.

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

When I received my surgery date I was jumping up and down with joy. I was so excited. I didn't get any anxiety until about a day or 2 before when I realized it was actually going to happen. To cope with my anxiety I just kept telling myself that everything was going to be o.k. and that this was going to be the best thing that could ever happen for me.

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

When I first got home It was kind of scary to me. You are on your own. Once in awhile I would think to myself why did I do this. I am only allowed liquids and I am in pain. I am so glad I did it. The pain and liquid only was worth it.

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

I live 2 hours away from the hospital. They distance hasn't really affected my aftercare but if definitely isn't the most exciting drive.

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

My activity level was very low for quite a few weeks. Once the pain went away and my stitches were out I didn't have much of a problem. My activity level now is excellent. I go walking every night. I had my surgery 2 months ago on Halloween day.

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

I take to flintstone vitamins a day. I drink protein mix everyday also. That is all for now.

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 very surprised. I did not have any side effects. No vomiting, nausea, dumping or hairloss. I was one of the lucky ones.

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

I think the worst part of the whole thing was not being able to do things for myself for a while. Needing help in the bathroom/shower, needing help getting dressed. That kind of thing.

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

I have only had one support group class. It was my first one. They are trying to get one set up where we have one every month. I think it is pretty interesting because you get to hear how much weight people have lost, some food ideas, what they are going through etc. I think it is helpful.

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

My scar is ugly. It is very big and not quite what I expected. I knew I was going to have a scar I just didn't realized it was going to be so big. It looks like a railroad track down my stomach. That is O.K. though. I have dealt with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't really had a plateau yet that I know of. I don't have a scale at home I can use because I still to heavy for a normal scale so I don't get to weigh myself ver often. I return to work in a couple days so it will be easier. I work at a hospital and they have really good scales there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't notice being treated differently really. The only thing different I guess is that I get many complements on what a great job I am doing.