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

My PCP recommended it to me. I was scared at first but the more research I did on it, the more I came to understand and knew that this was something I had to do if I wanted to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

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

Gateway was hard to get approved by. I sent them everything I could think of and more. I was denied twice and then had to attend a face to face meeting to explain why I thought this surgery was medically necessary for me and my life.

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

It was very informative. Do some research on the internet and don't be afraid to ask questions. No question is too crazy or too weird when this is something that you have never gone through and have no idea what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was in alot of pain due to spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia. The pain began to over come me and take over my life. I couldn't do things that I wanted to do anymore. I was completely miserable and depressed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the RNY procedure because I knew that I wanted something permadent and I wasn't looking for an easy way out. I didn't want any foreign objects in my body either.

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 really didn't have any fears about dying or any complications for that matter. I was more nervous about how my life was going to change after the surgery and whether or not I would be able to succeed.

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 nervous about me dying or having complications more than I was. My mother was a little skeptical as well. Since the surgery my family and friends have been so supportive and caring. They are there when I am having my good days and when I am having my bad days.

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

I work a seasonal job so the surgery did not interfere with my work schedule at all.

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

I had my surgery in Allegheny General Hospital. I was in the hospital for nine days.

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

During the surgery the doctors seem to think that I had an asthma attack. I ended up being on a ventilator for two days after my surgery. I was in the trauma unit for five days before being moved to a regular room. It was quite scary once I knew what had happened, but I am getting stronger and stronger as the days pass.

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 very anxious when I got my surgery date and finally could not believe it was happening. I have a very close family and very close friends that I was able to talk to and they were able to keep me busy.

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

When I got home from the hospital, I was very tired. I had a lot of fatigue and was told to expect that. I wasn't able to walk very far without loosing my breath. My belly was sore from the incisions.

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

Not far only about 45 miles one way.

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.

After the surgery, I didn't eat for at least 4 days, then I was able to have clear liquids like sugar-free jello, sugar-free popscicles, beef or chicken broth, water, and of course your two to three 8oz of skim milk for protein. I will be moving into the next diet stage in a few days. That will consist of soft foods.

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

Very limited activity levels the first couple of weeks after the surgery, but slowly and surely my energy levels are increasing and I feel able to do some things I couldn't do before

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

I am taking four Flintstone Complete vitamins a day, and I go once a month for a B-12 shot. I am also taking a B complex vitamin, and an iron pill as well.

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?

As far as side effects go, the thing that bothered me the most was being very tired. I have been very careful as to what I eat to avoid the dumping.

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

The pain was the worst part. If you have to cough or sneeze forget it. The pain is so bad that it made me cry.

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

My family has been great in the area of supporting me. I also have alot of friends supporting me as well.

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

I have about 4 to 5 small scars on my belly. They are small but sometimes they do itch a bit but that's okay.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I do feel that I am at a plateau now because of doing exercises and a little bit of weight lifting. Now I am adding muscle to my body so that has slightly haulted the weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. I have only lost about 75 pounds so far. I mean for me it is a drastic weight loss already, but as far as society is concerned, I am still overweight.