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

I had a co-worker who had RNY. Initially, I thought the person should just diet and exercise and that this was the easy way out. WRONG!

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

I was required to have documentation of 6 months medical weight loss, a psychological evaluation, history and physical, stress test, and endoscope. Once that information was sent to the insurance company, I was approved within 1 day.

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

Initially, I went to a informational meeting and met all of the staff at the bariatric center from the person who does the insurance to the three surgeons. After surgery was approved, I met with the surgeon and he explained all of the risks, side effects, etc. of the procedure. I felt at ease with Dr. Steiner and would recommend him to everyone.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided that I was worth it!

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 about complications and dying and specifically about my 7 year old son and the possibility of leaving him without a mother. I felt at ease with my surgeon and the hospital. I prayed. I felt that I wanted to risk having no life for having a better quality of life.

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 very scared. I don't really have many friends for a variety of reasons. My co-workers were scared too. I didn't really have much support for this decision from anyone which made it more difficult. After surgery though, everyone has been great. My husband has done wonderful and is even cooking for him and my son some since I can't eat what they like to eat.

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

My supervisor was fine with my decision. I missed 8 days of work.

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

Hospital was great. You need to walk as soon as possible after surgery to prevent complications. I went from the surgery stressor to walking before I went to bed. Walked every couple of hours. Had surgery at 8am on Thursday and went home by 2pm on Friday.

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

No complications so far. Just 5 weeks post-op.

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 haven't really had much anxiety. For about a week, it was difficulty to get in and out of bed due to pain from incisions sites. I have trouble getting in enought protein and water. I have lots of gas. I have some nasuea but no vomiting.

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

For the week after surgery, I took it very easy. I did very little other than walk around the house and lay in bed and watch tv. I was a little bored at home alone. I was vacuuming and doing other housework within the week.

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

It is about an hour and a half to my doctors from my home. It hasn't effected my aftercare. I have no problem with traveling to get good care.

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.

In the hospital, you only have clear liquids like broth, water, popsicle. At home the first few days just soft foods like cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and pureed protein. My bariatric center recommends protein only for the first two months, then add fruits and veggies. Only add breads at goal weight.

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

The goal is to walk at least 30 minutes a day.

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

I take 60 grams of protein supplements and bariatric pack vitamins

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 lots of nausea and always a gassy feeling. I'm just 5 weeks out. I have trouble eating ground beef.

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

Wishing I could fast forward to goal weight.

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

Support group on post-op office visits are all that I have done so far. It does help to talk to others who have had the same experiences.

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

6 small laproscopic cuts. No problem with them at all. I apply vitamin E to them everyday to help.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I will have days when I go up a pound or two or lose nothing and become discouraged. Then on other days, I'll lose 3 or 4 pounds at once. It would be best not to weigh everyday, but I have trouble not weighing myself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband is very pleased so far. Otherwise, I haven't found any difference, but I still have 100 more pounds to lose.