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

My first thoughts were these people are crazy. Because I thought it was so dangerous. But when I had my PCP look at me and tell me I had metabolic syndrome and that I was going to die.. I knew I had to do something. I had high blood pressure, high cholestrol, sugar diabetic, I was on medication for my heart rate. To slow it down. Now which was more dangerous? Having surgery or dieing because I was addicted to food?

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

I have BCBS. And It was requested one time and I was approved. My advice is not to give up. These insurance companies think that if they deny you that you will give up and not ask again. But ask again and again until you get the answer you need. I work with insurance companies every day and I know how they work. Please don't give up.

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

My first visit was me asking the doctor questions and him asking me questions. Take time and write down all your questions and take them to this visit. It can be very helpful. And if they are written down you won't forget anything and you can also write the doctors response down so you remember.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health. I was worring myself about my health and the stress alone was going to kill me. So I had to do something to fix it and quick.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with my family, friends, and my doctor(s). PCP and my surgeon. For my age (28) and my whole life ahead of me and needing results and lots of limitation. The RNY was the best choice for me. I don't regret it at all. I am glad that I made that choice. My doctor only offered RNY and lapband.

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 did have fears. I would wake up frightened. I would worry about it a lot. Then one day I was talking with a friend of mine that had RNY and I realized that if I didn't take this chance then my health would surely kill me. No doubt about that. And I turned it over to God. I would always say to myself "If God Can Bring You to it, He can bring you through it". Just weigh your options. Pros and Cons. Trust me... it is not near as dangerous as your health and being overweight.

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 very supportive of my decision. I would have communicated the same way that I did. I did lots of research and had my ducks in a row before I talked to my family about it. So that when they had questions I had answers.

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

My employer kinda knew before I told her. Because she saw a fax that came in from the surgeons office? I went in and talked with my office manager and explained that I was going to go through with the surgery. She ask me some questions. But she had a family memeber that had, had the surgery years ago. So she knew what would happen and all. I was scheduled for surgery and It fell through and I stuck with the high protein and low carb diet and didn't drink pop and sugar. And she saw that I was dedicated to this life style. And then three months later when my surgery was finally scheduled she fully supported me. And still does!

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

My stay in the hospital was great! The nurses and OR staff were great! Everyone was wonderful and very helpful! I was in the hospital for two nights. I went in on Monday and was released on Wednesday. Take housecoat, slippers, and personal items (brush, toothbrush). With the medications you will more than likely sleep a lot!

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

I had terrible pain on my left side. Around my top incision. I had a wound infection. I called the doctor immediately and they told me to come in. He opened it up and drained it. He said it was a hemotomia. Pool of blood under my wound. And it set up an infection. After it was opened it took about a week and half to heal up. Kept draining. Until it closed back up. After the wound started healing.. it felt much better.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Nervious, scared, and excited. Tried to prepare but then tried not to think about the risk.

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

Very tired. Wanted to sleep a lot. I couldn't get up and down very good. So I just got up to pee and drink.

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

I live about 20 minutes from the hospital I went to.

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 have not been able to handle peanut butter. It made me sick as a dog. I ate a piece of turkey lunch meat too fast. And back up it came. Not really an intolerance. Just didn't eat slow enough. Another thing I tried was a sugar free ice cream pop. It wasn't sugary but it was rich tasting. Haven't eaten sugar in months. So the richness made me sick.

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

I walked everyday when I came home from the hospital. Made myself. And every day I increased my activity. Now that I am two and half months out.. I have a whole lot more energy.

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

I take chewable vitamins, protonixs (for my stomach), thiamine, B-12, and Tums.

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 been nauseaed at some point everyday since surgery. I have vomited when I ate peanut butter. I have had spells where I wake up in the middle of the night, and where I have night mares. I have had dumping once when I vomited. I haven't had hair loss yet. I deal with all of these side affects at this point. (2 months out).

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

The recovery was the worst part of this surgery. But after two/three weeks it will all be in the past.

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

I go to the doctors support group monthly. And I also go to a local support group that a lady leads that also had the surgery.

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

I have six little places but not too bad of a scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About three weeks out... I had a plateau that last about a week and half. Very disappointing. But get moving, and drink plenty of liquids.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice that people look at me differently now. And some even treat me differently. Exspecially people at work. But I keep my before pictures on my desk to remind me where I just came from and to remind me how easy it would be to get right back there. And to remind other people that I am the same person that I use to be.