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

Out of "desperation". One of my customers came very excxited. She had gotten "a date". She told me "everything".Suggested this WEB Site. My 1st reaction was "Whoa!Pretty radical, pretty drastic."

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

I made an appointment w/PCP. I brought along a letter from me to submit w/req for auth. We talked a bit then she said she was all for it and she'd sumit a req. 6 days later I had auth. for initial consult.I then called the surgeon's office and made appt - 4 week out.

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

He was professional, compassionate, and concise. I have done SOOOO much reading on WLS at this site that I didn't really have any questions. We talked a bit. He said that I had my "head on straight", that my expectations, and reasons for the surgery were realistic so NO PSYCH EVAL needed!! He sent req to PCP for Ultrasound, Endoscopy, and visits to nutrionalist(wants me to lose "some" weight before surgery.) 5 days later I had appointments for both tests.(1 in 1 week, the other in 3 weeks)Still waiting for nutritionalist referral.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had made up my mind before even seeing my PCP the 1st time. I spent 6 months reading, thinking, praying. My decision had been made BEFORE I ever saw a doctor. I am just in this waiting, going with the flow pattern.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading reading reading. I knew I wanted LAP RNY period. The surgeon that my PCP sent me to does just that. I didn't ask my PCP to do this, nor did I discuss how I wanted the WLS done...God has been here every step of the way.

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 didn't have any real fears about dying or having complications. I DID call my cousin who I hadn't talked to in over two years to tell her I loved her and I was sorry for something that had gone on between us. I told her I was having surgery and in case I didn't "make" it through, I wanted her to know. Honestly, I probably "used" the surgery as an "easy opening" to call her.

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?

I can't think of ONE person who had a problem of any kind w/ my decision! They all had questions which I answered.....I have had a lot of support.....PTL

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

I was an employer when I made the decision...employees were happy and supportive! BUT what else do good employees do? I told everyone.! I lost my job before the actual surgery But would have been back to work after 1week!!

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

I was treated like a queen. I was there 36hrs after surgery. Bring mouthwash, facial wipes, slippers. If the private room hadn't had it's own A/c then a fan!!.You really don't need anything else.

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

NADA NADA........amaaaaaazing grace......Praise the Lord!

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

Well, I had asurgery date 21/2 months off....so it wasn't "real". I got a phone call and it was moved up to 2 1/2 weeks off....so it wasn't anxiety so much as "panicy planning" THEn it got moved up another 10days so that surgery was 4 days off (before I even had a pre-op visit....at that point, it was sheer surealism.

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

From my understanding, my 1st few weeks aren't typical. I felt better two days after surgery than before surgery. My feet stopped swelling. My knee didn't ache as much. I had no pain. I walked, swam, papered my shelves, painted the bathroom, and slept like a baby.

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

75 miles- long miles - into Los Angeles.

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.

At three months out, I ca'nt tolerate breads real well. I sits like a brick in my tummy. Other than that, I eat everything. Meat Meat Meat. Nothing makes feeel sick....dont do ANY sweets

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

So far at 1 month, I've had NO tiredness, and had more mobility and activity than ever! At 3 months, the same but even better

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

Chewable Vitamins, Caalcium, b-12 sublingual,iron.Citricel. No supplements...got all my protein in as food after 1weeks.

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?

The ONLY side effect I have had as of 1 month is constipation. It has been relieved with citricel everyday. At 3 months...no citricel. Bowels are "great" since I added a piece of fruit every day.

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

The fear that gripped me the last 10 minutes in Pre-Op.

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

This website.

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

It's "nothing" It is better than I expected, I guess, but I didn't give it much thought. A scar was not a main concern, and I don't think it SHOULD be. I think that if youv'e gotten to the point of considering this surgery seriously, that you're WAY past worrying about a scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

If you weigh everyday you will obsess on a plateau. If you weigh once a week or less, you may never even "see" a plateau. If you do, forget it. Are you eating right? Are you exercising? Are you drinking lots of water? Then RELAX. It WILL COME OFF......

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Of course! Any of us who have been obese KNOW the prejudice out there!!!