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

I am not really sure. I can remember looking at an older (60+) female struggling to get out of her car at the store and thinking, that is me 25 years from now.....ARGH! When Phen Fen went away and after 2 years I gained back the weight, I wanted to do something permanent. Voila, surgery entered my mind as an option.

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

This was a breeze. The Dr's office sent them the pre-determination letter, they posted an answer in the system within 48 hours of recieving the request, a YES! PruCare

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

My surgeon was warm and understanding. He has only been doing the procedure a few months. He has been a surgical oncologist at one of the cities best hospital for years. I had done a lot of research, so I went in to the meeting with very specific questions relating to his approach and some of my personal experiences.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I conducted my own survey of people that had had the surgery from 21 years ago to just a few weeks. One woman that was around my age had it approximately one year ago and nearly died from complications. Even she recommended the surgery and endorsed the process. She has now lost 142 pounds in a year, has no obesity related problems and has begun her life again with energy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spoke with 3 individuals that had had different procedures. After comparing their stories to my situation and looking at which facility offered the procedure, I decided on a RNY. I feel I will have the most success with something that restricts my intake as well as my absorption.

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 am not a fearful person and did not really even consider this. My feeling was that people undergo surgery everyday and do fine. With a top notch medical/surgical facility and the advances in modern medicine it was not a concern for me. I went into the operating room singing and carrying a pompom! I had fear of dying of obesity in a few years. I felt the operation was going to save me, not kill me.

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?

Family and friends all took my decision very badly. No one wanted me to have the surgery, NO ONE. They all loved me fat and could not understand why I would risk surgery and a life altering procedure. I, on the other hand was ready. In hind site, I don't think I would change anything. I did a lot of research before I confided in many people and really had my mind made up. I would not look to help in making the decision with family and close friends, they do not understand your perspective. Now that everyone has seen how positive and how commited I am to the procedure, they are all very positive. I have a few family members that are still a little frightened that I may have a hard time emotionally coping with the loss of food in my life. I try to reassure them that health, longer life and some great clothes will take the place of food!!! They will be ok.!

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

Extremely supportive, everyone was excited for me. I came back to work 6 days after surgery until the President of the company called (my staff had contacted hima nd told me I was at work) and told me to go home and rest. I came back on day 9 for a half day and then returned to work full time 12 days post op.

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

I stayed in the hospital about 48 hours. It was basically a good stay, it was the hospital afterall! I had no major complaints. I think it is important to go to the hospital with as little as possible. I brought a few personal grooming items and photos of my son to pin up in my room.

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 am only 12 days post op. So far it has been fantastic. I have had no anxiety.

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

I was thrilled to be home! It is so much nicer to be in your own surroundings when you are ill. I tried not to do much around the house, my maid has been very sweet and offered to come over and clean the house an extra day while I was home. I pampered myself and had a massage the day after I go home. I walked a little each day and did leg and arm exercises while I was seated. I did exactly as the Dr. ordered on liquid intake and meds and took naps every day. I went to work for a 1/2 day on day 6 and day 9 post op. I then returned to work full time 12 days post op. So far, so good. My scar is almost healed and I am down 29 lbs.

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

The hospital is only 12 miles from my house. I only have one post op Drs. appointment. I guess after that I am on my own.

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.

So far, eggs are at the top of the list of things I can not eat. They make me violently ill. I have tried them 3 times and am not likely to ever try them again. I used to love eggs, scrambled, over easy, hard boiled, deviled....NEVER again! The smell makes me sick and just two small bites sends my body into violent vomiting. I have to be very careful with rice, breads and pasta. Only small amounts (a bit or two) and it must be cooked and chewed very well. I can eat beef and pork, again tender cuts chewed well. Chicken and Turkey are still a problem for me. Smoked salmon is ok, but grilled salmon made me vomit.....fish in general I have a hard time with. Yet, smoked clams and smoked oysters are no problem.....?

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

I rested as much as I could for the first week. I did walk a little every day and was always doing leg and arm exercises while I watched TV seated. I went back to work full time on day 12.

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

So far, I am only on Boost, I believe my Dr. recommends a daily chewable vitamin once a day for life. 2 months post op, Dr. advised taking a daily vitamin twice a day, calcium once a day, iron twice a week and b-12 twice a week.

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 not had any side effects yet, 12 days out of surgery. Hair loss was minimal and stopped after a few weeks. Vomiting is not a problem (except eggs) as once you throw up a little the pressure os off the pouch and it stops hurting.

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

Waiting for the surgery once I had decided I wanted it!

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

I have not attended one yet, 5 months post op.

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

My scar is much smaller than I expected. It is 4.5 inches long and very faint. The Dr. used 'super glue' on it and it looks great!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had two short plateaus, one lasted 8 days, another 10 days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not to sound like an ego maniac, but people have always responded to me in a positive way, whether they are friends or strangers.