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

In desperation I went on the web and typed weight loss methods and came across WLS. At that point I was willing to get meds from the US that were not available in Canada even though my Doctor said I couldn't take them because I was on anti-depresents.

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 approval because I live in Ontario, Canada and they automatically cover if you meet the requirements.

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

My first visit was with a surgeon in Canada and I was very depressed when I left because he told me the wait time here was 2 to 5 years. When I left I started looking into Surgery in the US right away.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The day I realized I couldn't walk or clean my house without having to sit down to rest.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the most effective but least invasive surgery so I chose the RNY laproscopic.

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 too many fears because I have done a lot of research about the surgery and about my surgeon and felt confident in both.

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 family were very supportive but some of my friends were not. Now that I am post-op and doing good my friends are ok now. I think they were just scared for me. I provided both my friends and family with information on the surgery so they would be more educated and it helped most but no all.

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

I didn't just told him I was having surgery.

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 2 days and it was great. Compared to hospitals in Ottawa which depend on Government money Highland hospital was a treat. I was so surprised at the availability of the nurses and there great bedside manner.

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

Not yet

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

Been less than a week. The only anxiety I feel is that will I be one of those people who this doesn't work for.

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

Very tired for first couple of weeks but was ok to go back to work after two weeks. Some pain but very miminal for 1 1/2 weeks.

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

I traveled 4 1/2 hours. My aftercare is being done by my PCP and Dr Bishiop who is a weight management speaclist who is currently working with others like myself who have traveled out of country to have the surgery.

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 could not eat bread until almost 3 months post-op but only well toasted after that. Now 4 months and I can eat bread no problem but still have not tried any red meat other then hamburger

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

Yesterday which was day 5 I walked 1.4 miles...felt great.

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

Flinstones chewable for 1st week and now centrum twice a day. Also take B12 and iron everyday.

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?

Only side effects I had after 6 days was diarrhea. Four months post-=op and no side effects

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

The upper GI series that I had to have before going home because my heart rate was a little high. I had to drink this really gross stuff while they took x-rays to make sure I didn't have a leak.

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

I belong to a support group here in Ottawa which meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month. As well I belong to a online support group for people here in Ottawa. I believe it is extremely important because you learn so much from others who have had the same experience as well as to keep you motivated.

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

4 small scars..no big deal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had one plateau at about 8 weeks..lasted about 2 weeks and then the weight just seemed to fall off after that

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I notice men are different towards me now. I have a lot more confidence so I guess it reflects and people notice.