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

I first found out about wls in 1998 when I woman at work had it done. I was so opposed to it I didn't even hear what she had to say about it. I was overweight, but I thought I could handle it. When my weight became out of control meaning I had over 200lbs to lose, I started doing some research about it.

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

Fairly easy, I called my insurance company before my first consultation with the surgeon and they said surgery was approved for someone with my bmi and co-morbidities. I had them send me a letter saying I was approved and took that with me to my first visit.

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

My first visit to the surgeon was I long day. There is a seminar in the morning with about 8 other folks. Then after lunch you meet with the surgeon. I was second to last so it was a very long day.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Having my child and wanting to sit next to him on Dumbo when I finally take him to Disney World.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I always knew I wanted RNY

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 was afraid of aesthesia. Very afraid. I delayed surgery for 3 years because of that fear. I haven't spoke with anyone who wasn't afraid of surgery. It's normal

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 family and friends did not want me to do it. My boyfriend even went so far as to getting me knocked up. I guess I helped a little there too but when I finally got serious and they all understood they couldn't change my mind they slowly gave their support. Some family and friends I didn't tell until after because I knew what their reaction would be. One family friend said she would never do that to her body I just need to step away from the dinner table. I told her when she was carrying an extra 220lbs around then she could tell me what she would do.

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

My Supervisor didn't seem to care either way. I told her I was having surgery and I needed three weeks off. I did the Family Medical Leave papperwork and it was approved. I came back to work too early after three weeks so I took an extra week.

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

My stay in the hospital was very short. The nursing staff was very nice except for one nurse I had in recovery. The worst ever. I kept telling him I was in pain and he let me moan and cry for my whole time there. As soon as I got to my room they started my PCA and it was smooth sailing until I left. The most important and only things I needed while in the hospital were my toothbrush and underwear!!

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

I had a severely aggrevated muscle pull from the way I was positioned on the operating table. I had to see 2 different doctors was given muscle relaxers and was told I would just have to bear the pain. I could barely walk but it subsided after about 5 weeks.

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 felt wonderful, hopeful, nervous, scared. I prayed and asked everyone and anyone who would talk to me to pray too

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

I was tired and sore. It took about 6 weeks before I was back to normal and able to care for my son. I slept alot

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

I live in a suburb of the city where the hospital was. About 20 miles away.

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.

I followed my surgeon's recommended food list very close after surgery. I didn't eat anything solid for 3 weeks, then just soft foods like eggs, yogurt, tuna, mashed potatoes. It took about 2 months before I was able to eat meat like chicken and beef.

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

Very low due to pulled muscle

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

Seasame Street chewables with Elmo on the bottle

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

None

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

NOt bad at all. I had hand-assisted rny. Similar to lap-rny but I have an incision just big enough for my surgeon hand to get in.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only weigh myself once every 4-6 weeks so if I plateau, I don't know about it

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet