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

I have heard about the process for years. I have been obese since I was 3 years old. It wasn't until recent strides in the process made it much safer and effective, that I began to consider it a viable option for me.

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

I was very fortunate to be approved on the first go around. I did my homework and got all the necessary paperwork together. If they asked for 6 months of diet history, I gave them 12. Blood work, psych evauls etc, I just built a book of info and kept it coming!

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

My initial consult was nerve racking, I was sure he was gonna tell me I was too big to put under. He didn't say that at all, he was delightful and informative. To get the most out of your first meeting with a surgeon, always take a friend or family member so what you don't hear they will. Take notes and ask questions, DON'T be afraid to ask questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I wanted to live past 40.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I picked the one that has produced the best results based on my needs. The open 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?

Once I made the decision I let the fears fade, because my journey was completely in God's hands.

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 and friends were relieved when I made my decision, they had been watching me die slowly for years. My Mother & Father(They have been with me every step of the way), Sister(she flew in from out of state to spend her vacation with me to assist in my first week home from the hospital) and best friend April (I cannot say enough good things about that chick!) were my support team and continue to this day.

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

The hospital I was staying in was understaffed, that was frustrating at times. Always have a friend or family member stay with you in your room, it can get hairy if you are out of it and something important needs to be decided and you are unable to make that decison. I was in for 4 days and without fail the food tray was brought to me with the wrong stuff, thank God for my MOM!

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

I pushed an internal stitch which caused an infection just under the incision. I had to take antibiotics and let it drain naturally. No biggie. It wasn't anything anyone did wrong, just the way a body heals sometimes, picking up one of the internal stitches as a foreign body and trying to push it out. Its better than a kick in the head, LOL!

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

I was an emotional wreck! Its 10% physical and 90% mental! Just try to relax and don't be too hard on yourself. Let your body and mind heal.

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

1 1/2 hours from my home. It has very little effect on my after care, it just requires a little planning.

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 followed my Dr and nutritionist's orders to the letter. Each follow up visit they would advance my diet and I would follow those directions exactly. There isnt anything I couldn't tolerate. I eat only what they tell me I can. I have not had any trouble in this department. My only answer as to why I have had it so smooth is that I introduce new foods very slowly and I chew everything to a liquid state before swallowing.

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

It gets better everyday. I still have significant mobility issues but that is because I have destroyed my knee joints and will require corrective surgery when I have reached a healthy weight.

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

Centrum Liquid, Caltrate 600 Plus 1200mg, Nu-Iron 150, Vitamin C 1000mg and B12 shot monthly.

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 experienced hair loss at about 6 months and it lasted about 3 weeks, but you couldnt really tell. I just refocused on getting all my protein and they subsequently increased my protein per my nutritionist. I have dumped once and I will never do that again, I do not exceed 6 grams of added or refined sugar in any one portion of food, that of course does not apply to milk, fruit/fruit juices etc. I do fine with natural sugars.

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

There was no worst part. Every step has been a complete blessing. I am proud of my hanging skin, it represent hard work! I am proud of my surgical scar, it reminds me to appreciate this life!

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

I attend the support group from my surgical group, I am a member of an online support group, I attend my followup appts regularly and meet with my nutritionist. I see a Therapist on a regular basis to help me cope through this major life change. I speak openly with my family and friends about my journey and its results.

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

Its pink and soft. Yes it is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had one yet at 81/2 months out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but its because I am acting differently.