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

I knew someone who had a surgery in the early 8o's and it did not work for that person. I really didn't think much about it until Al Roker had it and then I started to think about it again. A friend had the surgery in 2004 and I was jealous yet scared...............It worked great for her..........I got serious about really looking into in Jan. of 2006

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

Gatherring the information, and really knowing what they require would be the most important. It took me about 6 months all together. Once I learned what they required, and having a great PCP who worked with me it only took about 2 months.

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

My first meeting was a very good experience. I had done a lot of research so I pretty much knew what would happen and what I needed to do after the surgery and the life style changes I need to make. It is a LIFE STYLE now, not a diet. My surgeon was very knowlegeable and just a great person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that getting my life back, getting my health issures under control was the most important thing I could do for myself and my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the RNY. It has a very high sucess rate and has reminders (like dumping) if you make a bad choice. I felted that I needed that reminder.

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 truely believe that when it is your time .............its your time. I waaaas very nervous, but I trusted in my surgeon and God.

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 and friends were and ARE very supportive.

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

About three weeks, I work at a desk job so there is no heavy lifing or standing on my feet all day. Again, lots of suport.

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

I went in on a Monday morning and went home Wednesday afternoon. You should bring a soft pillow to hold against your stomache, and a toothbrush. Really nothing else.

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

none

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 must say I ate everything I thought I would not be able to eat again. So, I gained 9lbs. Silly................. You eventally will be able to eat everything again..........just smaller amounts.

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

I was very lucky.............the first week was the hardest. Took lots of naps and only walked. By the second week I felt much better, and really paided attetion to getting in my fluids and my protein. I started back to Curves and just went slow.

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

not far...........about 30 minutes

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.

first week, soft foods, and just remember to chew very good. second week still soft foods and just slowly add a bite here and there of what ever I wanted. Make sure it agrees with you before having more than 1 or 2 bites.

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

first week only walking slowly second week incress walking ( faster pace) and started back to curves. Also started a little house work..........dishes, laundry, and cooking

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

B-complex, muli-vitiam, iron

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?

only got sick when I drank to fast.......so I slowed down only happened once

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

Really nothing.......I 'd had 2 c-sections and gallbladder removed in the past and it was close to that same recovery . Just different eating...............and I get full very quickly.

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

I go on the OH board everyday.............It is wonderful!! I attend a monthly meeting I plan on going to events that are posted in my area when ever I can

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

Actually it is a lot smaller than I thought it would be and it looks great.