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

My Aunt had Intestinal Bypass done over 20 years ago, and died a few years later from complications, so I when I read an article last year about Gastric Bypass, all I could this was Oh My Gosh, how could they be doing that again. But when I started to research it, I realize it's not the same, it's so so much safer and healther than the old version.

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 getting approved. It took 3 weeks for the Dr.'s office to send in the paperwork to Blue Cross, and then took BC on 1 1/2 day's to approve.

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

Dr. Ho was wonderful, she answered a lot of my questions before I even ask them, she never made me fell rushed. I would advise having a list with you of questions you want answered, and also to take a support person with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My GERD was getting out of control, my diabetes was getting worse, and It was getting harder and harder to get around on a daily basis.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched many different procedures and decided the RNY was the one best for me. I didn't want the malabsorption part of other surgeries.

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?

Death is always in the back of your mind, my biggest worry was not dying, but leaving my family behind. I hated the thought of them going through life without me, but on the other had, if I didn't have the surgery, I wouldn't have had a quality life anyway.

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 husband is very supportive, my best friend is worried, but understands why I'm doing it.

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

My boss was super about it, her husband is very obese and she even had him look at my information.

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 from 7:45 6/8/01 until noon 6/10/01. Very text book, I was up walking just hours after getting in my room. They removed the cathater on the second morning, and the IV later that night. I didn't use the pain pump very much, and quit all pain meds on the second day. The pain was minimal.

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

I had no complications. It went very well.

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

When you first get your date you feel like you have won the lottery. Then as it gets closer I started to think about what I was really doing, and that it was a life altering experience. You start to weigh the pro's and con's and then as it gets down to days I started to relax and realize that it's not an end, but a new beginning.

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

I was alone from day one and never really needed anyone to help me do anything. I walked around the house and down the driveway. I have had no problems, I feel great and have not been sick.

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

I had to travel about 1 1/2 hour for my surgery. We live in a rural area and that was the nearest big city. The ride how wasn't to bad, just stopped every 1/2 hour. I drove myself to my first pre-op appointment 4 days after leaving the hospital.

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.

The first week after surgery I just had broth, SF jell-o, juice and water. The next week I had mashed pots, cottage cheese, anything pureed.

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

I was tired the first week after surgery, but after that I was feeling great, probably had more energy that I did before surgery.

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

I take Flintstones vits. After 3 weeks, I started taking one a day plus 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?

I have had no side effects, no nausia, nothing. I have vomited a few times in the 4 and 5th week, once on chicken and once on my vit.

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

Waiting for insurance approval.

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

I attend the Valley Surgical Support meetings once a month in Fresno.

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

I have 5 small, less than 1 inch scars on my stomach..

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau in my third week, I was loosing and then I stopped and then I gained 3lbs overnight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm a little over 6 months out and I feel like people treat you better, as if now that you weigh less you are somehow worthy. I can tell that my best friend, who has a weight problem also, is having some problems dealing with my weight loss. I try not to talk about it, or make a big deal over it so I won't hurt her feelings, but it's hard, because I'm proud of my weight loss and how much better I feel now.