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

Several coworkers and family members had the surgery and I was very impressed with the results.

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

My insurance covered it completely. I didn't have any problems.

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

My first meeting was great. I have never met a more compassionate person. He made me feel very comfortable. If I had any doubts..he put me at ease. To get the most out of your meeting, just ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Didn't want to live with my emotional and physical pain anymore.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only did RNY.

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 was the pain after surgery. There was pain but they medicate you. The first couple of days were the hardest but it was worth every bit! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

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?

Everyone was very supportive. They were like cheerleaders every step of the way. I didn't have any problems communicating what I was going to have done as everyone I know seemed to know someone who had successfully been thru the same surgery.

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

Fortunately I work on-call and make my own hours. I would have been out of work for about amonth though because of lifting restrictions.

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

My stay in the hospital was fine. Most of the staff had the surgery themselves so were very sympathetic to your needs. I was in for only two days. Bring a robe.

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

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 elated and scared. I found this website and it helped to hear other peoples stories.

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

I moved very, very slowwwwww! Take it easy and don't over do. I am a neat freak and my husband was trying to take care of me, the house, and work. My advice...hire a housekeeper for a few weeks.

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

5 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.

I was on liquids for two weeks. I did not have any problems with dairy. Pastas seemed to not go down so well the first few months. It would come back up. At two years I still have trouble with heavy breads. I think that it's good that I don't eat a lot of bread because it has helped me to maintain my weight.

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

I didn' do much for about six weeks. then my energy level soared! The more I lost...the more energy I had.

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

A multi-vitimin, b-12 sublingual, Vitimin C, and 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 hair loss lasted about six months. That was the hardest because my hair was long. I had to cut it. But now its back and I found a new hairstyle and get compliments all the time!

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

Waiting for your surgery date and worrying about it.

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

Obesityhelp.com

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

The scar is not that bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit several plateaus. I think your body just needs time to catch up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.. People are more friendly and outgoing.