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

I found out about it researching on the net. My initial impression was that it was not for me because I was only 22 years old and 250-ish. But the more I talked to people, the more I realized what a gift it would be to myself!

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 trouble getting approval. My surgeons office took care of everything.

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 just to have a consultation and get my questions answered. I interviewed a few different surgeons this way, and I came prepared with a list of questions. This helped a lot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After gathering all the facts, I found a surgeon I was most comfortable with (Dr. Leitman) and I weighed the pros and cons and the risks and I decided I would do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon said that RNY would be better for me because I crave sugar and RNY prevents you from eating excessive quantities of it.

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 dying on the table. I cried the entire way to the operating room. But here I am! A lot lighter! For people experiencing the same fears, I would tell them that these are real fears. The most important thing is to have a surgeon in whom you are confident.

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 was wonderful. Once I told them they were 100% supportive! They took great care of me after surgery. My friends were fantastic!! They were there for me before, during, and after and really listened when I needed to talk. They were my lifeline when I was in the hospital. One of my friends has even given up sugar because I can't eat it! The only friend who was not supported is my only friend with a weight problem. She did not want to hear about it and thought I was nuts. Oh well...i am doing great now!!

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

I am a teacher. I chose not to tell my employer. I did it over the summer so I was not out of work.

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

For me, being in the hospital was hell!! I hated it! I was there for 5 days and found it to be one of the most degrading things I ever experienced. The hospital was wonderful to me, but I really hated being a patient. Bring very little. A FAN IS A MUST! A BACKSCRATHER IS A MUST!!! Other than that, toothbrush, toothpaste, a few magazines and a walkman are nice to have.

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

I had no complications.

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 nervous! My friends were so supportive. I cried to them, freaked out to them, they dealt with me so well. =) I ate a lot of bad food and spent time with my wonderful friends and somehow I made it through the waiting!

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

When I first got home, I was a wreck. I cried easily, I was tired all the time and food made me nauseous! By week 2 I was in very little pain, and feeling a little better, but still very sensitive and still had aversions to some foods. Week 3 was when I felt normal again although still very tired!!! Now in week 4 I am slowly getting my energy back. If you can have someone stay with you for weeks one and 2 it's a good thing.

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

My surgeon is an hour away. It's not a bad ride.

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.

My surgeon was of the mindset that if you can tolerate it you can eat it. His only rule was purrees the first week. The first week i drank CIB (sugar free) ate sugar free frozen yogurt and stuff like that. By week 3 tuna on crackers and peanut butter and jelly on crackers had become a favorite food. Now in week 4 I can tolerate small portions of anything, almost. I have even tried pizza and been fine. But I only eat a small section of a slice. The only thing that has made me sick was eggplant parmignana.

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

I have been very tired, but try to get in my walking. I usually get exhausted around 5pm and have to take a nap in order to get my second wind. But it's getting better slowly and I know it will continue to.

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

I started out trying to take liquid Centrum, but it made me gag! Now I take 2 flinestone vitamins every day.

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?

Sleep disturbance for the first week was rough, but now that I can sleep on my side and tummy again I sleep like a rock! =)

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

The worst part was waking up right after surgery. I was in SEVERE pain! Once I got my morphine pump that was much better. The other worst part was being in the hospital!! I HATE BEING A PATIENT!!! I don't like to relinquish control. Once I came home I was so much better. All in all, it was worth it!

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

I participate in a few online groups, and I go to my surgeons support groups at Lenox Hill hosptial

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

My scar is tiny! it's only 4 inches long and very thin and neat!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The only plateau I've had so far was about 3 weeks after surgery and it lasted 5 days. Then after that, i was losing a pound a day no problem!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, but I bet they will when I'm a gorgeous size 6!