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

I had heard horror stories about stomach stapling from years ago...so for a long time, I never even thought about it. Then I seen a commercial about livlite. I looked it up online and then notice what was involved. I then looked up gastric bypass and of course found a zillion things. When I found this site(Obesity Help), I joined up and started really finding out about the procedures and what the risks were. I told myself that the possability of getting my life back or finally getting one, would actually be in my reach if I had this done. So, as soon as I had medical insurance I started my journey to the other side of life. :) I am so greatful to this site.

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

The insurance I had to begin with was a breaze...(BS of Cal. PPO)they approved me within 10 days. But my husbands insurance had been changed, so I wasn't sure if the new insurance would approve or not. My Dr.s office submitted and I was approved in 8 days...:) This was with UABT/CCN Had no problem what so ever.

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

I was quite nervous the first time I went in, I wasn't sure what to expect. Within the first couple of minutes, I was totaly put at ease and found that my Dr. was very sensitive and caring. That made me feel good, I trust here very much. The best thing I can say is, make sure to do your homework prior to your first appt. Make a list of questions that you need the answers to and ask each one when you get the chance. My surgeon answered most of my questions prior to me even asking them, that was cool. Have your appt. with your nutricianist and Phyc. exam all ready to go, either have them done or have your appt. all set. That will speed things up a bit.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had thought about the lap/band, but my insurance doesn't cover it, so I decied to go with the 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 have a few fears about possible complications, no one is into pain, so that is one thing. But mainly the costs....I wouldn't be able to afford it if I had any complications. As for the thought of death, that doesn't frighten me...if it is my time, then it's my time. Nothing I can do about that. I have more of a fear about how I will look after I loose the weight, than that. I have never been thin, so I don't know if I will recognize myself...LOL

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?

Most of my family were quite supportive, the ones that weren't was because they didn't really know about the procedure. Once I explained it to them, they were alright with it. My friends are very supportive, whatever makes me happy they say.

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

N/A

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

My hospital stay was fairly pleasant...concidering I was in pain (lol) The nurses and assistants were all very nice to me...one was a bit cold, but for the most part quite nice. I highly recomend Mills Penninsula for having your surgery. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I would make sure to bring whatever it is that would make "you" comfortable. I brought things I thought I would need and never even used them. I would however bring some lip balm and a hair brush or comb.

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

The only problems that I have had, I had a little food seem to get stuck a bit, but it went away fairly quickly. That happened a few times, but then I just went back to real soft or liquid foods for a day and they went through. I haven't really had any other troubles.

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 was more anxious about just wanting to get it done and afraid that something else would come up to stop me from getting it done. Once I was at the hospital and getting ready, I was so ready that I was already relaxed and so prepaired for this. They really didn't need to give me anything to relax, but they still did. :)

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

You should expect to do as little as possible house work wise for at least the first 3-5days home, then just do what you can, but don't over do it. You can expect to be on your scale every morning, wondering if you lost anything...lol I am a scale aholic...lol If you are like me, you can expect a slow start to things, so hopefully you aren't like me. You will have some discomfort for a week or so, but it gets better very quickly.

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

I traveled 135 mls. I live north of Sacramento Ca. and my surgeon is south of San Francisco Ca. I have to rent a car each time I go for appts., so it has been quite expencive, but well worth it.

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 am three weeks out, and I am on stage 3 foods. I have eaten yogurt, broth, cream soups, canned chicken, few crackers, mozzarella cheese, fat free mayo, diet juices and s/f popcycles. I haven't really had any problems with nausea, and hopefully won't. I will update more on this in the coming months.

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

The first few days was just walking as much as I could around the house. After about 5 days, I was trying to get in at least a mile a day. I could do some house work, but nothing major...sweep, dishes, dusting. About week two, I could do just about any house work, except for getting down to mop by hand and no real heavy lifting. You wouldn't want to go out and mow the lawn just yet...lol I also started walking 2-3 mls. a day. I still have some days that I don't have much energy and I'm tired, so I don't get much walking in those days. I also do a workout with small weights with my arms. I'm now three weeks out.

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

I take two flinstones chewables a day, one B-12 sublingual once a week and I'm still trying to find a calcium citrate chewable or liquid. My surgeon said to take tums for now, but to start the other when I can find them. I instead take a calcium chew (chocolate) they taste pretty good and they don't have much sugar in them. I also have to take some zantac liquid twice a day for the first 6 months. YUCKY!!!

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 have had some nausia and vomiting...mostly caused I think from not chewing well enough or eating to fast. Still learning.

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

The waiting till surgery!!!

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

None

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

I have 7 small scars...4 are about 2/3 of an inch long and 3 are only about 1/4 of an inch long. They are all healing up nicely. Their will be some dark scaring for a few years I'm sure, but they will probably fade with time. I'm not too worried about small scarring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had many small plateaus, 3-5 days long. This is just the body adjusting to the changes in weight, then it starts to loose again. I am also a very slow looser, but as long as it keeps coming off, that is ok with me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really differently, but they do have a lot more nice comments to say.