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

My step-daughter had the surgery in 97 (I think) and lost tons of weight all the way to 88 lbs, but she did nothing but throw-up for 4 years. I thought it was the surgery doing it, but come to find out it was her behavior that never changed.. She'd eat (like a normal person)and throw-up.. Once I went to Doc Fishers Seminar in Las Vegas I learned it was her behavior not the surgery causing her problems... That made my decision to go ahead with the surgery.

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

I feel very thankful I not problems getting my insurance to approve my surgery (and I'd heard horror stories). So for this I am very thankful... I'd say always be kind and professional with whoever you are dealing with... Don't become pushy...

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

It was with the new doctor that was added to the group so all the Sierra Insurance patients could be seen, approved and surgery before Oct. 1. I liked this new doctor and felt he asked the correct questions and answered my questions also. Just make sure to have your questions written down for the doctor so this person can go over each question with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After seeing the success my 2 daughters have had with the surgery. They are my success story. Too bad my step-daughter was not.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one my insurance was approved to do. For this I am glad because it's the only one I wanted.

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 had peace and no fear. I believe my faith in the Lord above carried me through this. I also had prayers from all over the United States.

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?

It's been pro and con from friends and family. Most only hear the negative about this proceedure and rarely see the positive. I had no fear about letting everyone know I was having this done. If they didn't accept it, that was their problem, not mine. I knew what I was getting into. Family and friends so far have been great and are telling me how good I look and it's only been 2 1/2 weeks... Can you imagine what it will be in another month.. LOL

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

My co-workers support me in whatever I do, but they do only hear the negative... I will show them the positive. I will be 3 weeks when I go back to work. Wish I'd gone back after 2, but thought I'd need this extra week to re-coop.. NOT... Home is boring. I'd much rather be at work and busy.

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

I had a very positive stay in the hospital. The staff were very helpful. Everyone was so kind and there for all of us. I could have gone home the next day after my surgery, but chose to stay another day because I live out of town. I asked for a private room and glad I did. That was the best thing I did for me. I think an important thing to bring is lip-balm. I did bring a lot of extra stuff that I did not use or need. Robe and slippers are a must.

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

No I had no complications at all.

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 felt relief and then it went very fast. I had a deadline because my insurance was changing (for the worse) and was afraid I'd not have my surgery before the Oct. 1 cut off date... but my doctors office worked miracles to get all of us with that insurance in for the surgery before the Oct. 1 date... A big thanks to Doc Fishers Office.

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

Well, it's only been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery and the 1st week I slept in a recliner. I could not lay down flat or turn on my side.. but for the last 6 days I've been sleeping in my bed. Just make sure to keep walking, walking, walking.. This is a life saver.

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

About 120 miles one way. I live in Mohave Valley, Arizona and have to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada. As far as aftercare it makes it harder to attend the support meetings that are at night and I have to work the next day and driving at night is not a good thing.

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've really done good and stayed within the guidelines set by doctor... but have discovered what dumping is (I thought it was throwing-up... NOT)I can not eat baked potatos, they do make me dump. I tried them 2 days in a row before I knew what was happening. I started with flushing, heart palpations and then pow running to the toilet... (it's a good laxiative...LOL

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

It's only 2 1/2 weeks and I am still very tired, but am improving daily. I think mainly because I am home... I believe I should have gone back to work this week and then I would not feel so tired. Need to stay busy to not become tired.

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

My doc had me start on Flintstones Chewables with iron. They tasted horrible the 1st week (so did everything else). Now they are fine.

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?

No problems thus far... found out what caused the dumping so won't do that again and yesterday I tried to eat (dry) tuna and ended up throwing that up (my first throw-up) but I believe it was because I ate it dry.. so will not do that again either.

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

I believe the very worse was not the surgery or aftercare, but the waiting for the scheduling with the doctor for my surgery date and pre-op appointment... But once it all fell in place then everything went fast without any glitches...

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

Our Doc has on-going support group for all his patients, but since I live so far away I attend a support group where I live weekly with all persons that have had the surgery and I've been attending this meeting for about 3 months prior to my surgery which has helped me a lot since everyone else was post-op.

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

I was able to have my surgery Lap RNY so only have 6 little stab-wounds. I look good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not at this time, but have not been out and around yet.