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

I know some people over the years who have had this. Initially I thought it was too risky.

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

I had no problem. The hospital took care of it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since sweets were my down fall, I decided to have the gastric bypass instead of the lap band.

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 had no fear of dying but I was concerned about other side effects. I would tell other people to do your homework when choosing a doctor and hospital. Make sure your surgeon had experience. Check out complication rate.

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?

At first my husband thought the surgery was too risky. Then he discovered two or three people he works with had it and he saw the difference the surgery made in their lives. He then told me he would support any decision I made. A few thin friends/family thought I was crazy and tried to talk me out of it. Now they think I look great, they're very supportive, and two are now dieting.

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

I'm in more of an independent situation, although my "supervisor" who is also obese, was very supportive and told me to take off whatever time I needed. I was off a week and a half. My job requires no lifting. I'm free to schedule my day as I please and could rest or walk when needed.

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

My stay was comfortable. I was up walking the halls that night. Went home the following day.

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

No

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Wondered if I was doing the right thing. I coped by keeping busy.

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

My back ached from the rolled blankets they placed under my back during surgery. Had to remember not to open heavy doors at stores or lift heavy objects.

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

30 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.

First week, clear liquids Second week, full liguids - clear liquids, sugar free, pudding, jello, tea, fat free milk Third week, Soft, pureed - tuna or chicken salad with low fat mayonaise, scrambled or soft boiled eggs, broiled fish, low fat cottage cheese, low fat cheese, mashed, boiled or baked potatoes Fifth week, Soft and crispy - all of above, soft vegetables, low fat crackers, toasted whole wheat bread, toasted small bagel, toasted English muffin

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

I was doing mostly everything with the exception of lifting. I was very cautious with this restriction. Eight days after surgery I drove 300 miles myself to go to my grandsons birthday. I only took pain meds twice after I was home so I was not under the influence of any medication that would hinder my driving. I had a cooler with my water, no fat milk, and my sugar free pudding. I also got out and walked while enroute.

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

Two tums with breakfast, Multi-vitamin ( I prefer the liquid Centrum) with lunch, two tums at dinner, B12

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?

Had no side effects

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

Chewable multi-vitamins were terrible. Had to change to liquid. Other than that, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated.

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

I will be moving out of the area when I am eight weeks out so I did not use a support group other than on computer.

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

I had laparoscopic RNY which left four or five small scars. This is what I had hoped for.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People are uncomfortable eating in front of me and I have to tell them it's okay. I'm not hungry. Or, really, I am full even though I eat so little. When I'm out in public, people are more engaging than when I was heavier.