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

I found out about WLS exploring the net. my initial reactions were mixed- scared, excited. Ithought I nedd to explore this more.

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

Insurance was a long process. Wel it took about a month. All I had to do was write a letter including diet history etc., then Brenda at the drs office took care of everything. I was approved with the very first letter.

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

I was terrified my first visit., I was so nervous that all I could do was sweat. Go loaded with all types of questions. A good surgeon will answer everything. My first question was, has anyone died on you. His answer was quick- yes and he explained the situatin to me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to be in a wheelchair in a year or dead in 2.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon I saw only did open Roux-en y. I researched this and felt comfortable with this type of surgery.

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 terrified of blood clots. My surgeon explained that I would receive Heparin shots and wear leg massagers(awesome invention my own personal massage unit). The one thing you need to do is talk honestly about your fears, nothing is stupid or unimportant.

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 husband was supportive once he realized I was serious. MY daughter was awesome. My parents were really nervous,but turned out to be my best support after surgery. I stayed with them after because my husband works long hours, and my daughter has a baby. Actually it was nice to go home. My brothers were and still are very supportive. My 2 best friends have made the transition easy.

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

My employer was in total support. Our benefits coordinator made life so easy and Human Resources owes me an Agency jacket-Lol. Ican take up to 16 weeks for short term disability and up to 2 years long term. So far I've been off 7 weeks, three more off because i developed infection in the bottom of my incision.

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

I will rave about the treatment i received at Nortern Michigan Hospital.. Iwas treated with respect at all times. The nurses were amazing. For example- one night I was homesick, sad and sore and the night nurse came in put me to bed and sat and rubbed my hair til I fell asleep. I only brought books with me the hospital supplied everything else. I sent my husband for a fan because I was so hot. I was in the hospital for 5 days.

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

I developed a late blooming infection in the bottom 3 inches of my incision. Kind of odd so far after surgery, but I'm not your typical person. The infection hurt worse than the original surgery.

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 nervous, happy, excited, scared, unsure, you name it I felt it. My best coping strategy was to talk toi anyone who'd listen.

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

I was so very tired. I had 0 energy. To much company and I'd cry, not enough company I/d cry. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and crying is cathartic so cry if you have to.

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

I had to travel about 1 1/2 hours. My husband takes me to all my appointments.

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 was eating real food when i went home. My surgeon has had the best maintenance with this. I can tolerate most foods- porkchops don't sit well, crunchy food is great too. When my infection became full blown I could tolerate nothing other thanliquids-- Diet ice tea, water, and some pops.. Now that the infection is going, I'm back on my vitamins and food is becoming tolerable. Somedays I have to force my self to eat because food is disgusting--This is different coming from someone who could down a large pizza for supper. Hello, I'm nine months into this. I most anything but find most meats annoying. Crackers and cheese or peanut butter is a daily staple. I have to drink more water because I'm a coffee addict-lol.

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

The most I could do was little walks and playing with my 10 month old grandaughter and my 3 and 4 year old niece and nephew. The infection set me back to my initial activity level- barely none- but it will come back.

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

I'm taking Bugs Bunny chewables right now. They stay down. 5 MONTHS LATER i'M STILL DOING CHEWABLE BECAUSE i BOUGHT TONS WHEN THEY WERE ON SALO. Hello again I'm now on A good multi vitamin twice a day and a b-12 suppliment twice a day. Rite Aid has great multi's and they are small

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'm 7 weeks postop now. I've dumped twice dont like that at all. The problem is I ate the stuff before and didn't dump, And have ate it since and didn't dump????? I'm nine months out and the hair loss bothered me. It;s growing back really well now

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

For me the worst part was the Ng tube. I tried bribing Doctors to take it out-lol.

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

There are no support groups here in Sault Ste. Marie. My husband and my family are my support. I see a nurse practioner also and she is supportive. My surgeons assistant is very supportive to. mY 2 BEST FRIENDS ARE GREAT SUPPORT. MY COWORKERS ARE REAL EGO BOOSTERS ALWAYS TELLING ME HOW GREAT i LOOK

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

My scar is long but it looks ok. I imagine in time it will fade abit. I was expecting a bigger, uglier scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

To soon to say I'm only 7 weeks post. i SATYED THE SAME WEIGHT FOR 2 WEEKS BUT THEN STARTED AGAIN THANK GOD. I've hit some plateaus along the way. I read a post tonoght that said throw awy the scale. I think I may just do that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've not been out much so I'll let you no once I get back to work. I'M BACK TO WORK AND PEOPLE ARE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME. NOW ME ON THE OTHER HAND AM CHANGING. I'M FAR MORE CONFIDENT NOW. Again 9 months out-SOme people treat me different, but those are the ones I don't want in my world. The ones who have treated me like they should are welcome in my world.