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

I found out first from my family doctor. I was very afraid at first but as I researched it and spoke to other people, I was set that I needed and wanted it done. I thought at first that it was the easy way out but whoever said that was so very very wrong.

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

My insurance approval was based on several pieces of criteria. I understood all of this before I went and attempted the authorization because I actually work for the insurance company. My original auth was denied for non-report of my physician monitoring my diet. I went on Weight Watchers for 3 months and then my surgeon's office wrote a letter of appeal. After the letter, my auth was approved. My advice to anyone is to make sure your information is thouroughly documented by your family physician. And also, don't give up.

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

I did not actually meet my surgeon until the 2nd or 3rd visit to his office. Prior to this, I had to attend work shops his office staff do before hand. Once I did meet him, I asked him every question I had and voiced every concern. I alo made it very clear what I wanted. He had suggested doing a 2 part surgery and I was not for that. I wanted it done and over with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want a long, hapy life. I want to see my nieces and nephews grow up. I want to watch my kids (when I have some) grow up. Basically, I wanted to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the information that was available to me. I also consulted my family doctor as well as spoke to my physician. I very much wanted it done laproscopically due to the easier healing and shorter recovery time.

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 was very much afraid that something would go wrong. I was very afraid that I would die. I was afraid that something horrible was going to happen. I think this is only natural when some one goes in for a surgery. And for anyone who has fears, I would say they are normal. I would also advise them to talk about them with their doctor as well as their loved ones. Some times voicing what we fear the most makes it much more easy to cope with.

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 is absolutely terrific. They supported me from the moment I told them and still do. They worry a great deal because I have had some issues but they are only worrying because they care. My friends have also been very helpful and supportive. They have adapted to the change in my life and have accepted that there will be no more trips to Taco Bell at 1 AM. Overall, I am a fortunate person to have so many people accept my choice and help me go through with it to the end.

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

I was off work for 4 weeks (Oh, I wish it would have been longer!). I did tell my supervisor what I was having done and my HR department. They were ok with the decision and helped me as much as they could. After my surgery, I was placed in ICU due to some complications. My employer even called to keep checking on my condition. My supervisor and business manager as well were very understanding.

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

My stay in the hospital was pretty much a blur. I was inpatient for 3 days. Right out of surgery, I was placed in ICU due to some complications. I was in the ICU for 2 days and then a regular room for 1 day. I was under a lot of medication so I cannot really comment fully on my stay. I do know I was very very very cold and they had run out of blankets which bothered me a great deal. I even made my family bring me a blanket because I was so cold. To bring, the facility where I had my surgery provided you with everything down to socks to wear while you were there. For going home, I would reccomend your favorite pajamas or sweats and anything that makes you feel comforted.

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

I have had some complications that I am still working on. I do have a very hard time keeping protein of any kind down. I also vomit a lot, even sometimes water. I am dealing with them by continuing to question my physician and I have also been placed on medicine to try to attempt to soothe the vomitting. So far, it has not helped.

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

After I got my surgery date, I was happy and very nervous. I had some issues going on in my life at the same time that soon made me forget about my approaching date. Before I knew it, I was driving to the hospital and getting ready in the waiting room.

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

For the first few weeks after my surgery, I slept a great deal. With the issues I had after surgery, my body was just worn out. I rested, I moved around, I slept some more, I drank my water. I did not start to exercise right away though. I definitely advise to make sure you drink your liquids plus some. I did not drink enough and became dehydrated. You will be sore during this time but each day will get better. I also had a hard time dealing with hunger. I wasn't really hungry physically but my mind would see a commercial on tv and try to tell me I was hungry. It was very psychological. Stay strong though!

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

I am fortunate that I did not have to travel far at all. Pittsburgh is only 30 minutes from my house. It did not affect my aftercare because I utilized providers in my area. My insurance company and my surgeons office worked it out when the authorizations were called in for my home health care and my theraputic injections.

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.

I am still dealing with this. I have a hard time with protein period and this is what you should be eating. I will keep you posted on my progress.

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

I did nothing until I was re-hydrated. I started exercising at week 4 and this was minimal. I am now 3 months out and I try to work out 3 times a week but sometimes life interferes. I have adjusted by using my break times to walk around my building at work and I speed walk when I have to get up and go some where during the day.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, bioten, iron, vitamin c, calcium, and zinc.

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?

Vomitting has been the worst for me along with nausia. I am 3 months out and these are still issues. How am I coping? I is very frustrating and I have cried a lot. I am very concerned about my health. But, I talk to my mom and my sister who is an RN and we try to figure out what I can eat that won't upset my stomach as bad.

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

The worst part so far has been these first few months. Everyone keeps advising that it will get better. I believe them but I just want to go back to a little bit of normalacy. And, I would like to go a day with out having everything come back up on me.

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

This web page has been a great support by reading other peoples questions and ideas. I also go to a psychologist which has been helpful as well. It is very important to reach out to others. They know where you are at and can maybe help you get through it.

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

I have 6 1 inch scars in a U on my belly. This is what I had expected. I did not expect though that they still hurt a bit.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Doesn't apply yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do notice it. People are more sensitive about what they are eating around me. The people at my office often order out for lunch. They didn't order for a week after I went back to work. Finally, they broke down and asked if it would bother me. They also bring in sugar free/fat free items for food days now as well. My family also treats me different. They really watch what I eat and will not let me eat anything that is bad for me. They also understand if I run from the table and spend the next 20 minutes in the bathroom. Everyone seems more concerned with trying to make sure I get better and loose weight at the same time.