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

Through the Wellness Inst. at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

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

I can't help here. My surgeon's office submitted the documentation and we had approval within 4 weeks. I would however suggest that you include what ever co-morbidities you can reasonably.

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

He was wonderful. I came prepared to ask open questions (but had already done a lot of research). My surgeon was warm, helpful, caring and emphasized information and being sure I understood what I was about to do. He did not rush me. Getting the most out the meeting = come prepared with questions and an open mind.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live a long health life and I wouldn't if I didn't lose the weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research...talking with doctors...working with a hospital that is focused on both wellness and research...gold standard.

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?

Anytime we choose an elective procedure we put ourself at risk. My obesity put me at risk too. I was very comfortable with my team and the hospital. I knew they would do a good job and would handle compilcations (I had one...need a dialation after 3 weeks). Make sure you have all the information you need to make your personal decision. Do not allow yourself to be rushed. If you are not comfortable with the doctor / hospital seek out another one.

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?

Initially my friends and family were not supportive. They felt this was a radical life decision. I communicated my conviction and why I was having the procedure. Once the decision was made all were supportive (because they love and respect me and my decision). One of my friends flew in from LA (to Chicago) to spend the first week post-op with me.

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

I am self-employed. Non-Issue

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 3 days. Northwestern is very comfortable. Make sure you bring reading material.

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

I needed a dialation 3 week post-op. I also had ulceration at the opening between the pouch and intestine. Simple out patient procedure accomplished in 2 hours.

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 great...toughest part was getting in the protien! After about 6 weeks I was really run down and tired. I have to blame that in part on the fact that I packed and moved a household during that time and not just the surgery. Coping with anxiety - take it one day at a time...and it will get better. Make sure your health care team knows what is going on with you.

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

You'll feel like all you are doing is eating...trying to get in your protien and water.

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

Less than a mile.

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.

Couldn't drink the protien drinks after 6 weeks. Can't tolerate chicken but can eat turkey, cheese, lean beef and pork. Milk and eggs are good. I'm finally adding carbs. Can't eat pasta. Steamed veggies and lite salads are great.

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

First 4 weeks walked daily. After 5 weeks returned to the gym for cardio, after 8 weeks resumes light resistance training.

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

Prenatal Vitamin, B-12...will be adding Biotin & Zinc (losing hair!).

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?

Nausia/Vomiting really bad until I had the opening dialated. I still vomit if I take one bit to many or try to eat pasta or chicken. I haven't had any problems with dumping...but I haven't wanted sweets either. At month 4 I began losing hair by the handful...I'm told it will stop (I hope so). Use your support group (s)

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

The wait! Nine months from first visit to discuss to the day of surgery.

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

Northwestern Wellness Inst. manages the aftercare program. It is primarily medical monitoring. This is very important but it misses a lot of the "other" issues going on with me/others. The peer support group meets once a month. I wish it were more often.

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

I had lap RNY so I have 6 "port" scars about the size of the tip of my finger. This is what I expected --- so glad I didn't have to have the full open procedure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I tend to plateau around my period. I may go a week with no loss then experience a 3-5 lb. drop. At month 5 I really seem to have slowed down (less than 10 lbs. a month).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes...especially men...showing interest.