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

I was so over weight and my doctor had me on so many diets that when I finally decided to have the surgery I was approved within a week

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

I had taken my son with me and the first thing my surgeon said to me was you could die from this surgery. but he had such a success rate I wasnt scared. At that point there was nothing he could say to make me change my mind, I was ready for a change in my life. I did alot of research before my appointment. and I was ready for the worst, and it was great. I made my appointment for the phyc, diet, case manager that day

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I was laying in bed and I had to prop my head up to breath. And when I went to the store to find a dress for a wedding and I couldnt find one not even at the store for big women. And I was afraid that if I kept going like I was then I wouldnt be around for my daughters wedding and I wouldnt be able to see my grandchildren, I am only 38 yrs old and I need to see the world instead of hiding from it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only did the rny and how he explained it. It sounded safe and I felt secure with him

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 really didnt have much fears of complications like I said I did alot of research even on my DR. and his success rate was great, he was open and honest about some of the complications he has had with a few patients. All I could say to anyone is there is complications everyday of your life, do research, and you have to completely trust your Dr.

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 was so supportive. There isnt anything I could have done different. My sister-in-law took me to the hospital, and stayed there with my 2 children until 9 pm. I had surgery at 10 am. My blood pressure wouldnt stablize and she stayed there, even though she has 3 little girls at home. I couldnt thank her enough, and my family has been there to exercise with me and all.

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 supportive, she offered me to take a leave and if I was going to be off work longer, all I had to do was let her know. I am still off work because I was a manager of a Subway sandwich shop. And my dr. suggested to me to change professions, and I am haveing a hard time getting a job.

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

My hospital stay was great, I was in 3 days, and I took my own blanket throw, a few things that make you confortable is the most important things to take.

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?

When I got my surgery date it was the happiest day of my life, I couldnt wait until I had the surgery

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

My first week home was sore, and my sister came home from Va. to take care of me, it was great, but as soon as the staples were removed and the drainage tube was removed I had no pain it was great from that day on

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

45 miles, the ride home was bad I got motion sickness

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.

1-4 weeks was just liquids and soft foods. 4-6 weeks I had problems with foods that had a consistancy to them, 6-8 weeks I tried chicken and some fruit and it felt like it got stuck, did a lot of throwing up. 8-12 weeks, still did alot of throwing up and still didnt eat alot of solids 12-16 weeks was able to start eating solids and keeping them down

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

the first week moved real slow, after that I started walking everyday, and now I walk 2 miles everyday and ride my stationary bike 5 miles at night

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

I take womens one a day daily

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?

vomiting was the worst for me and they lasted till today certian thing will make me vomit and sometime they dont

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

the drain tube

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

We have support groups and I havent attented them, I have a few friends that have had the surgery and we kinda support each other.

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

the scare is light pink and I expected this, but not as big as it is

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they actually give me compliments instead of whispering.