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

From celebrity, then research, then someone I knew had it.. I decided against it, but was still interested in it, until about 8-9 months ago. I had been gathering info on it for several years, but did not pursue it seriously until 8-9 months ago.

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

You must always present yourself in a positive light during communications verbally and written with anyone related to this approval process. Keep copies of everything, scan in, and then use copies for submissions to insurance company and then the medical program.

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

First you have an orientation with a small group of people, with a nutritionist, and then the physician makes a short presentation. Most likely if you've done your research, you already know everything they explain in this meeting. I would not say it was a good time to ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Ultimately to resolve health issues, prevent new ones that would surely have occurred, and to extend my length of life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was always going to have RNY, as research showed it had the best overall weight loss and the least problems keeping off the weight.

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?

Very massive fears. I understand from your site you can have complications even 30 days after surgery.. So, although things seem to be progressing well, I still have fear I'm going to get a blood clot, or somethings going to break in there.

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 think everyone was supportive. And, since the surgery my family has really helped me out a lot. You definitely need a partner or close family member/friend to help you during and after the surgery (and preferably before too.)

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

I'm a student, so does not apply.

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

Really, try to leave everything at home. I brought several stuff to read, but was too out of it or not interested enough to read. It's hard to focus when you're in pain. I brought a small electronic video game too, which I never used. Really, I thought it was important to have my make-up bag, chapstick, toiletries, ..fresh set of clothes (that are soft, like sweatpants or leggings). You don't want jeans or anything tight on you, because you will gain 10+ pounds of "water" weight while in hospital. So the pants you came in, may not fit afterwards. Bring another copy of your current medicines. They will ask you for this over & over (but still not follow it in my case..)

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

Initially, on the first day/night from surgery I was in a lot of pain just from the surgery, but then I experienced nausea/vomiting and very bad cramps. I also developed a terrible rash (allergic reaction to some drug), and now one of my incisions popped open (I was glued shut).

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

A lot of people get excited for their surgery date, but I got nervous and scared. You start to think, "well, what if I die?", so you have to plan for many things in case you don't make it. You must discuss those important things with your partner/family/friend to make sure people know what you want/don't want to happen if you die. (i.e., your will, burial, advanced care directive...) Plus you have to relay information that only you know, to whoever will be left to handle your life/business/finances after your gone. It's kind of morbid, but I felt it was important.

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

Initially, on the first day/night from surgery I was in a lot of pain just from the surgery, but then I experienced nausea/vomiting and very bad cramps. I also developed a terrible rash (allergic reaction to some drug), and now one of my incisions popped open (I was glued shut). And, if you're a stomach-sleeper, this may not be possible for quite some time. For the first two-weeks you will sleep in a variety of areas and ways (couch, bed, sitting up in chair..). This pattern will vary as your pain decreases, and the tiredness of having surgery catches up to you. I am just now on my 3rd night of being able to sleep somewhat comfortably and soundly, but still not in my ideal positions. It's about 20 days since my surgery now, and sleeping is much better. I can sort of lay on my stomach, but not fully yet. It's too much pressure. So I sort of do side/stomach. You have to change this position every hour or so, or you start to get sore.

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

115 miles roundtrip. Yes, too far to go in for the complications, so I opted for my local GP to treat those issues. I think they did a good job at resolving some of the issues.

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 I follow strictly the liquid and full liquid food regimen. The hardest part is the amount (you think you can eat more, and you should not), and the slowing down. Also, the increase of liquids, but not allowed to gulp it or take several big sips at once. Tiny sips at regular intervals, otherwise you get a pain or uncomfortable feeling in your chest. About 20 days later, and I'm venturing into new foods. I go to Whole Foods to buy organic and soy products. I realized a lot of digestional issues were from Greek Fage yoghurt, which is from cows milk. Whole Foods sells "soy yoghurt", and you can have about 1/2 a container or so, and no prolbems. They also sell sheeps & goat milk yoghurt. It's a good place to find high protein and low sugar foods. I did try about 1 oz. of the soy-based "meat" product (I forget the name)-- but I got very nauseus and threw up. I think it was too firm and maybe too dry, despite chewing it very well and adding a tiny bit of water with each bite. I can now have canned peaches, and three slices with some of the yoghurt worked well.

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

I started walking in the hospital immediately. It hurt, but has to be done. I know take longer walks about every other day. 15 days after surgery (about), I did a 2-3 mile walk. It was tiring, but I was surprised I could do it. I didn't think I was capable of this even before surgery.

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

Pre-natal chewable multivitamin, B12, Calcium Citrite, Vit. C. and liquid protein drinks such as Boost (high protein, low sugar).

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 nause/vomiting went away after 2 days home from hospital; Sleep disturbance is quite bad for me since my release, but now at day 13, I am beginning to be a little more well rested. Other gastrointestinal issue as well continue. No hair loss or sugar dumping since surgery. I hope this doesn't happen. I do get the strong hard pounding and palpitations, even when eating items that also have low sugars (like 2g).. That part is uncomfortable and will make you stop eating, even if you haven't had your allotted amount. I'm not sure if this is "dumping", as there are no other symptoms.

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

Being frustrated with the bariatric program itself, the pain from surgery (and complications), and now dealing with food again.

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

None at this time. But I plan to find something in my area.

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

I have 8 incisions ranging from about 2" in length and smaller. I thought I wold have 5 tiny scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

not applicable yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not applicable yet