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

I heard about bariatric surgery but I did not realize my insurance would pay for it so I didn't even research it. This year I was on Aetna's website and saw an article about them paying for this surgery if medically necessary and I got very excited. Once I research the surgery I knew it was a chance for me to obtain a normal weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

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

Before you attempt to get insurance approval it is probably important to make sure you have at least 1 or 2 doctor supervised weight loss attempts and a BMI over 40. I didn't have any problems but I had all of the pertinent information noted in my medical charts.

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

My first visit was great. I think it is important to do total research before this point so you know what questions to ask before meeting your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have attempted every other means possible with minimal success. This is my chance for better health in the future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Aetna only allows 2 procedures. The RNY Gastric Bypass is the gold standard and I want the best.

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?

My biggest fear is dying. I fear complications such as a leak or blood clot the most. After speaking with the surgeon and finding out how he takes precautions to safeguard against the complications stated I feel comfortable proceeding. You have to weigh the risk vs the benefit. If you are morbidly obese how long of a life do you think you will have without 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?

I got mixed reviews. My husband and mother were positive but I had a couple of negative responses so I have chosen not to tell many people until after the procedure is done and I am recovering.

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

I had great nurses in the ICU and regular room. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was in a lot of pain so I didn't really read any magazines or anything. I walked each day as required by the nurses and then I rested. It is nice to have toiletries because they let me get up and take a shower the first day post op, and I took one each morning.

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

I had a rash as a result of the binder around my waist and the bedding. They had to give me IV Benadry. If I had realized it earlier I would have asked them for special linens. On day 4 they requested that my bedding and binder be washed specially, plus I put on my own gown and the rash improved.

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 extremely tired. To me, being tired was much worse than the pain. I followed my post op care instruction exactly and did fine. I felt comfortable in my ability to call the surgeon or his nurse if I had any questions or problems.

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

You should be prepared to rest a lot and follow your diet plan carefully.

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

I traveled around 150 miles. I had follow up appointments on week 2, 6 and 12 and then at 6 months and 1 year. I feel like the drive is acceptable because I have an awesome 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 have not eaten any sugar. I make it a point to buy all sugar free products. I have only vomited one time and it was after eating a couple of bites of cornish hen. I could not chew it good enough and it got stuck. It is best to start with tuna and flaked fish, they went down well from the beginning.

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

I walked several times a day in the hospital and then I walked for at least 15 minutes a day until week 4 post op. At week 6 post op I started walking at least 2 miles per day on my treadmill.

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

I take Centrum Chewable vitamins and get monthly B12 shots.

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 nausia pretty bad. My surgeon prescribed phergan to take and I took them every day for the first few weeks, I am fine now. I haven't had problems with dumping (I don't eat sugar) and I am sleeping fine.

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

Being tired is the worst part.

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

My surgeon heads up a mothly support group meeting.

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

My scar is from right under breasts to 2 inches below belly button. It is what I expected. No more 2 piece bathing suits that's for sure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau from weeks 3 - 5 and thats all so far. I am 8 weeks post op now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have lost around 35 pounds in the first 7 weeks and no one is treating me different yet, I still have 65 to go. I feel different though. I am treating people different. I have much more self confidence.