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

I first read about WLS in 1996. This was before my third child was born, and I was not quite overweight enough. After having a child, I forgot about it. It seemed like a long shot to even get it approved. I kept telling myself that I could loose the weight myself. I read about it again last year, and actually inquired about it.

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

My doctors expertise in writing an approval letter was probably very helpful in the approval. He sent in everything they might ask for. I

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

I was very nervous. He made me feel comfortable, and offered all the information I would need.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The way I felt every day. I was miserable, and had trouble with every aspect of living. I had trouble breathing, and moving.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did research, but I wish I had done more of it. I regret not having the duodenal switch instead of the rny. I listened to the opinion of one person, and should have discussed it further with my surgeon.

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 feared that something would go wrong and I would be injured or die. I realized that it was in Gods hands and without the surgery I would be just as likely to die.

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 very supportive, as well as my friends. It was hard for my husband to see me so miserable after surgery.

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

I told my employer why I would be gone, and he was supportive. I was off of work for 8 weeks. (only because that is how long my disablility insurace approved me for, I did not argue with them)

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

I was pretty much asleep most of the time. I was there two days. I did not find anything I needed that they did not provide.

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

I had to have two endoscopies due to stricturing. It was frustrating since I could not keep liquids or anything else down.

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 felt extremely anxious. I also felt excited that everything was finally happening. I kept myself very busy, and took the kids on a small trip.

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

I was very depressed. I mourned the loss of food. Some of this stemmed from the narcotics, but mostly due to not having the one thing in my life that I so looked forward to and enjoyed. After about the third week I was fine, and was able to accept it.

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

I had to travel about sixty miles.

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 doctor was very liberal with what I could eat. I had yogurt and cream soups for the first two weeks. I occasionaly had a bite of other things. I went through a lot of sugar free popsicles. I have had trouble keeping any meats down, especially chicken. I have also found that foods dont taste as good as they once did. Some things that I loved, are not so appealing anymore. I basically eat whatever the family has, just in smaller portions, and I make sure I chew a lot.

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

In the second through fourth week I had lots of energy, but now in the sixth week, I am soooo tired, and feel like sleeping a lot.

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

I take a prenatal plus vitamin that my Dr gave me a prescription for. I also take citracal calcium.

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?

The worst side effect for me was the problem with the stricture. It made me feel like whatever I ate was stuck in my chest, and then I would vomit. I suppose the vomiting is the worst.

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

The worst part I would have to say is, the initial feeling of loss. The deprived feeling at first.

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

I have a few online that I participate in. It is very important because I find some wonderful tips on there. I also can get any questions I might have answered. It helps to read others that are having the same feelings and problems that I am.

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

I have six small scars. Each about an inch long. They look sort of funny still.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The worst problems are when I am unable to eat, due to the stricturing, it seems that I dont loose any weight at all then.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I dont think so. I havent lost enough yet.