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

Probably seven years ago. I saw it on the news. I knew I couldn't afford it. Insurances did not allow it.

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

I was approved first try two weeks after submission.

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

It was very interesting. I had a class with the nurse about portions and the surgery itself. The doctor is asked a few questions, and I felt very comfortable with him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was my last resort. I had already tried everything except giving up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed both the malabsorptive and restrictive pieces of RNY because of my hypothyroid condition.

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?

Ask your surgeon number of complications he has had and really listen. Read lots of profiles.

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?

Everything from supportive to distant. All were supportive after.

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

My employer was very supportive. No problems at all. I was only out two weeks.

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

two days in SICU. I was very well taken care of. lip balm and slippers.

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

no

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 fine. I miss eating lots of food. I tried to focus on the reward (weight loss)

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

The first week was uncomfortable, but much better than the hospital. Rest and take care of yourself.

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

3 hrs, follow up appts rescheduled by the dr 2-3 times, but no problems so no biggy

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.

Can't tolerate meat alone, if it is mixed in something a little better, but very "heavy" feeling.

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

better every day.

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

children's chewable 2-3x day, sublingual b-12.

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?

vomited 3 times. hated it.

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

pain right after surgery, but it got better every day.

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

none,

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

five 1/2 inch scars, almost nothing no big deal at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

right now at 7 wks I had a week without any loss, my menses and then 3# loss. I take synthroid so that may be it as well as my menses.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No