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

My co-worker had it done, and I admit I was a little hesitant to consider it, but I went to a local support group meeting, and now I am a supporter of it.

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

I had no hassle with the insurance company. The doctor sent my stuff in and I was approved 3 weeks later.

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

I went there with a ton of questions and he answered and addressed all of them before I had to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I tried two more diets. I tried really hard at them too. I failed them both, and I realized I don't want to starve my entire life and then gain back the weight, so I decided that surgery is my only option now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the OPEN RNY because that is what seems best to fit 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?

If you don't have any fears then I believe that is scary of all. There are no 100% guarantees with anything involving surgery. You need to be a little scared because this is MAJOR 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 parents through a fit! I decided not to tell anyone else in the family but them. After a while they accepted it because they knew I wasn't backing out of it. My close co-workers were really supportive because they are looking to get it done also.

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

I already had a couple of co-workers undergo this surgery, so my boss was totally fine with it.

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 7 days. The 3 days in ICU were good. The nursing staff really took care of me. When I got transfered to the regular floors, well, they didn't do anything to help me. They were very incompetent. I never want to be in another hospital again. Make sure you bring something to read or music to listen to. Also bring ear plugs because you don't get any rest.

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

I ended up getting my G_TUBE infected and then turned into an entire body infection. But now I am good.

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 very emotional for 3 weeks after the surgery. I cried alot. I cried at anything. I would have to leave the room when company was over because I couldn't handle anything.

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

Expect to be very tired. You need a caregiver who is going to be there for you to help with meals and moving around and for emotional support. Its a very dramatic time.

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

2 hours. My aftercare is non-existant. Can't get a hold of surgeon.

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 can tolerate almost all foods. I can't tolerate nuts.

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

Low.

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

Tums, Flinstones chewables.

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 had bad nausia for a month.

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

We have a support group in town where everyone talks about their experience. Its informative to a point.

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

Its about 4 inches long and very red.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have plateaud twice.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People come up and seem to talk more friendly.