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

I work at a hospital and many employees were having the procedure, including my best friend. I was against it, thought it was WAY to drastic. Over the past 2 years, I saw all my friends shrinking and doing great with the surgery. With my weight steady ballooning, I decided to look into it. I then decided it was my time to do something about it.

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

I was very fortunate, I had a farely simple time getting approved. I have no MAJOR medical problems other than being morbidly obese and hypothyroidism. Advice I can give to others is, keep on trying don't give up, if this is what you want pursue it.

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

I loved my surgeon, he is wonderful and excellent. He informed me of exactly what would be done. I recommend taking a list of questions with you to the doctor. If you don't write them down, you get into his office and forget EVERYTHING!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My thyroid levels were out of whack and I was steady gaining weight despite my attempts to lose weight. I gained 30 lbs in about 3 months, and decided then that it was getting out of control, and it was time to do something about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

With myself having triplets under 1 years old, I decided the best recovery time for me would be the laparascopic RNY. I knew the RNY was what I wanted all along.

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 never really thought about the serious complication of dying. I figured if I didn't have the surgery, my chance of dying was greater. It is scary and a big surgery, but worth it. I was scared about surgery, and recovery, but honestly, my gallbladder removal was worse than my RNY surgery.

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,in-laws, and friends were very supportive. My mom had the same procedure done about 8 years ago and has done wonderful. My mother-in-law stated if she was younger and healthier, she too would have had it done. My husband was weary at first, but he came around, and sees how well I am doing now and now he is going to have it done on February 5th, 2004.

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

I only work 2 days a month, I stay at home with my babies, so work was not a problem for me.

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

I had a great hospital stay. I had surgery on a Thursday morning, and came home on Saturday about 1 PM. I brought a robe, slippers, a hand held Yahtzee game, toothbrush, chapstick (your lips get extremely dry).

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

I have only had one problem with my surgery. About 5-6 weekd after surgery, I was having a hard time keeping food down. I called my surgeon and he did some tests on me (upper GI, with a small bowel follow thru) and then referred me to a Gastroenterologist. I needed to be scoped...I had a small stricture which he dilated and have had no further problems.

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 got my surgery date, but as the time got closer I became very nervous and scared. I would think of the great outcome I was going to have and did some relaxation techniques, I think that helped my anxiety.

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

This was the hardest period of me, because I could not eat. I followed my plan and did liquids, then pureeds, athen soft foods. I missed food, and was always so thirsty. Once I was able to eat a bit more, I was very satisfied.

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

I had my surgery right here in my town, and the hospital is the one I work at and is only about 2 miles from where I live.

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 only 10 weeks postop, but found meat hard to digest. I since have been able to eat small amounts of it. I always use a dipping sauce, so it is moist and won't get stuck.

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

I had my surgery on a Thursday, and was back to normal functioning by Sunday. I felt great, and even started walking very short distances.

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

Everyday I take 2 Flinstones Complete vitamins (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), Calcium (Citrical), and B12.

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 didn't have any problems other than when I had the stricture. Every once in a while, if I feel too full, I will have to go vomit, but then I get immediate relief.

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

Not being able to eat normal food after surgery for quite a while. That's it, everything has been wonderful.

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

I use the Obesityhelp.com as my website for support, and friends of mine that have had it done. There is a support group here in my town, but have not been able to go to it.

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

I have 5 scars from the laparascopic procedure, they are small. I expected them to be bigger and more noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one plateau experience right after surgery. I was about 2-3 weeks out and at a stand still. I was very frustrated and confused as to why I would already have a plateau, but it did go away.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't think I have really lost enough weight that anyone notices yet, can't wait till they do though.