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

I kept seeing commercials on TV about the lapband and I really thought that this was my way of a miracle for my problem so I called my doctor to talk to him about it.

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

I have great insurance coverage through my work and my husband also has me covered through the state of colorado so I have dual coverages which works great in my case. I only paid for my co-pays at my doctor visits prior to surgery and for the 8-week class that my clinic required.

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

It was amazing. The staff was so friendly and caring. They went over all the paperwork I needed, insurance, and what to prepare for 3 days prior to surgery. They also took copies of my photo ID and my insurance card so I didn't have to bring anything to the hospital with me. Then I met with Dr. Chae who was just awesome. He went over exactly what he was going to do to me and what I am to expect before and after surgery. It was just a wonderful experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After researching what this surgery would do for me and talking with the WMS at my clinic and the confidence in the surgeon that he gave me, I knew that this surgery was my way of taking control of my life once again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

While taking the 8-week class from my clinic, I actually changed my mind from the lapband to RNY. I liked that the RNY had more research on it and had been being done all over the world for years and the fact that it's permanent and virtually non-reversal.

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 didn't have any crazy fears, I was just so excited about having the surgery and all my focus was on healing after the surgery and what kind of results I was going to achieve by having it. I had great family and friend supporting me and all I could do is stay positive and realize that I could die if I didn't have this surgery from the complications of being obese.

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 are a wonderful support. You really need at least one supportive person just to keep your spirits up when your having a day that maybe the pain is alittle worse than another day or just to talk to if your lonely or bored. I am a workaholic, so I have had a hard time staying at home for 6 weeks. The only problem I experienced is that when I was on a liquid diet after surgery my family was cooking and eating anything they wanted and the smell of food was making me so hungry and all I wanted to do was eat. I was pretty grumpy and didn't handle that part very well. But when I could eat soft foods, than it got alittle better. The smell of dinner cooking was the worst and finally had to take a walk during their dinner or go into my room and watch tv just to get my mind off of the smell and how much I wanted to rip everyone's head off because I was hungry. I also had to realize that it wasn't their fault that I couldn't eat that this was my choice for the surgery and I had to be alittle bit more understanding.

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

They were great. My surgery came at a very bad time at work but my bosses was very understanding and kind. They sent me many flowers and cards to let me know they care and they call often to check on me. I am on week 3 and I am taking off 6 weeks just because of the kind of work that I do.

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

My stay at the hospital was perfect. Great hospital and wonderful staff. They paid so much attention to me that I felt like a queen. One of the nurses asked me to stay because she liked me so much, I told her no...I would be glad to come and visit but I was ready to go home. I stayed 2 days. The most important thing to bring to the hospital is loose clothing to change into after your shower and slippers to walk in because they get you out of bed right away. Personal items such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and that's about all you need.

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

No complications, I actually felt better than I thought I would from the stories that everyone had told me about.

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 got my surgery date at work one day and they needed me to go to have my pre-op blood work done that day and my ekg. Then the next day I was to see the surgeon. My surgery was schedule only 2 weeks out. So it all went very quickly and I was scared at first when I told my husband but then I pulled myself together and really couldn't give myself any reason why I was scared because this is what I had been waiting for for such a long time. I was thrilled after that. I counted down the days and was just excited about it being so close.

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

I did good about getting around on my own and kept water by my bed. I took a shower daily and that helps tremendously. It felt good to be a "person" again after my shower. I wore loose clothing and kept my drain cleaned out constantly. It is a bit awkward trying to take a shower with the drain in still, however, surgical tape works well and I just taped it to my stomach so that I had 2 hands in the shower. I only had a hard time when my family cooked dinner during my first week home. I was getting hungry because you are on a liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery, while in the hospital, and now at home. So the smell of food was my worst nightmare. Once I could begin have soft foods that went away. I only took pain pills for the first 3 days home and then I decided to I would only take them if I really needed to. I didn't have to since then and the more you move around and take short walks first and then go alittle further each time, it really helps the healing process much better. I got my drain out 1 week out of surgery and that helped me feel much better too. Keep the incisions cleaned and dressed so they don't get caught on your clothing.

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

30 miles

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 am only on week 3 but so far no foods on my list of soft foods has made me sick or vomit. I can eat eggs, cottage cheese, cheese sticks, pudding, mashed potatoes, deli meats.

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

Walking. Short walks first and then build up to what you can tolerate. My surgeon said to not over do anything. Take it easy and you will know what your own tolerance is and how much you should or shouldn't do.

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

I take a regular vitamin supplement and calcium lozengers 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?

I haven't had any side effects as of yet.

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

I didn't experience anything that I would say was horrible. I didn't care for the drain but I understand it has to be there in order to not have all that blood and fluid build up inside of my body. I had a hard time with not being able to eat with my family the first week and smelling their food cooking or watching them eat whatever they wanted to while I was so hungry and the mental game with myself that I couldn't have anything was extremely hard for me.

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

My clinic requires that we attend a monthly group meeting with our weight management specialist for support.

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

I have 5 small incision marks and they are what they are. I don't mind them because they are so small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Week 2 to 3 I haven't had any weight loss in numbers but my husband thinks that I have lost inches. So I am not giving up yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No