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

I saw an article in a magazine about laproscopic gastric bypass surgery and then a friend had the open RNY and then I pursued it for myself. I was impressed with the surgery prospects.

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

I didnt have any problems in getting insurance approval but it did take a while. They move at their own speed.

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

I first met him at a seminar and decided to use him. Then I met him 2 days prior to surgery and he was friendly but on the day of surgery and subsequent hospital visits I thought that he wasnt a people person but a to the point doctor. I would recommend him though.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A future with a smaller body size.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that the open RNY would be best so that the surgeon could see what he was doing as opposed to the laproscopic RNY.

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 prayed about this surgery for me and knew that GOD wanted this for me. I cant answer for anyone else. Just make sure that you know that it is for you and then go for it!

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?

I didnt tell anyone except my husband and children. I also told 4 friends at church so they could pray for me. Once I did tell inlaws they were supportive but my sister wasnt. I just told her at Christmas and she was upset that I didnt tell her when I had the surgery and she also told me that I would have all kinds of problems and I told her that I WOULD NOT!!!

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

Not employed but do babysit in my home and the parents were supportive. I did start working part-time about 3wks post-op. All went well and I just took it easy.

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

I had surgery on a Thursday and went home on Monday. I had no problems and the Southpointe Hospital in St Louis MO is great! The nurses are familiar with the weight loss surgery and helpful. Make sure to take personal care items with you. No need to take robe as the hospital gowns serve that purpose.

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

None!!!

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 was anxious to get the surgery over with and start on the road to my new life!!! I just kept seeking the Lord about this decision and declared from the beginning that all would go well and it did!!!

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

There was some soreness and I was tired. Do not plan to do much except sit and lay around. My back began to hurt from the surgery and laying around all the time.

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

I flew 308 miles to have the surgery and then my husband and 5-yr-old son flew done also. We all flew home on the 5th day post-op. The flight home which was about 45min but I arrived at the airport 2.5 hrs prior to departure and that was rough on me. I just sat in a wheelchair and they helped me to the plane and then off the plane when I got home.

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 went to solid foods a day or two before I was suppose to and didnt chew my food enough so I got sick. That still happens if I do not chew my food enough or eat too fast then I get sick. I havent learned to slow down yet. I can eat anything I want even sugar(in small amts)but my tastes have changed. I used to love corn dogs and dont care too much for them now. Nothing ever sounds good for breakfast.

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

I take a chewable calcium daily and childrens chewable vitamin and also protein shakes.

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 havent had any side effects except when I do not chew my food thoroughly and eat too fast then I vomit.

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

The post op pain but I knew what to expect since I had had two previous c-sections.

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

I havent been to a meeting since surgery but I plan to attend one this coming weekend. There isnt one locally so I have to travel about 35mi to attend one or even a little further.

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

Red and very noticeable at this point but I have a c-section scar so I knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss hasnt been as quick as I thought it would but that could be my own fault since I do snack and eat small amts of sugar.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but people are noticing that I am losing weight.