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

I first heard about on television, then I started researching it. I was somewhat skeptical at first, but as I continued to do research it appealed to me even more. I know it is the right decision for me.

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

It seemed like my surgery was approved rather quickly, but then I started getting denials for the original consult. I am working on having them taken care of.

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

My first visit was great. I was already determined to have the surgery but my surgeon would not accept a decision that day. He insisted that I went home and thought about it. He was friendly, compassionate and very detail oriented. He answered all of my questions and concerns. I would recommend him to anyone. When youu go to see your surgeon ask questions, write them down and take the list with you. I did!!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I guess I reached a point in my life that I realized I would die at an early age if I didn't do something soon about my weight. I started developing a few health problems that are not life threatening, and decided it was time to get healthy and get some serious help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am a sugar eater, so the open rny was the best choice for 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?

They were very upset and unsure, but after I got them involved with the research they felt much better.

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

My employer was fine with my decision. He was more afraid for me than anything. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

I didn't need anything but chapstick. The hospital was great, the nurses were the best, not a problem with anything.

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

None whatsoever

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

They should expect to feel tired and just rest as often as you think tou need to. As each day goes by it get's better.

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

Locally, about 20 miles at the most for both

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.

From the very beginning I have had no problems with food of any kind. I am 3 months post-op to the day and still haven't had any problems.

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

In the weeks after surgery, each week got better. I started walking at four weeks

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

Flinstones complete

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 only had two episodes of vomitting, both were caused from eating to fast.

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

The inital pain from the surgery and getting out of bed for the first couple times. The night of surgery stomach spasms, like labor contractions.

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

It is what I expected, I am sure it will fade over time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In the beginning I had them about every 5 weeks for the first 2 months. Now they are closer together, but that's ok as long I keep losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not at all.