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

I had saw a commercial on TV several years back (about 10) and thought about it, then a friend at work had the surgery over a year ago and lost so much weight, I looked into it.

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

My best advise is BE PREPARED. RESEARCH what they are going to expect and be prepared to do what they need and have what they want.

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

I went to a group meeting and he described (in detail) what they surgery was and what was to be expected. He had pamphlets and an open discussion. I would be prepared with burning questions and a pen.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Success. There were about 5-6 people at my work that had the surgery that were very successful.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not have a choice regarding open or lap. But I did decide that banding was not a choice for me, because I needed to help with my addiction to sugar.

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?

There is always a thought in the back of your mind regarding whether or not death is going to happen during surgery. ANY SURGEY. However, for me I was already dying. My weight was killing me. I weighed my options to die in a couple of years by my weight or opt to have this surgery and live....for the first time.

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 really struggled with who to tell, when to tell and how to tell. I finally decided that I would really tell the people I see the most, those close to me at work, then I decided to tell my brother because he was staying with me at the time, and my parents, so they would be a support. (I did not have any problems with these people) I was really concerned telling the people at my church. This may seem silly, but these people I though highly of and I thought that telling them that I would be disappointing them in some way and they would think I was not depending on God by on doctors. I only really told my pastor who had a discussion with me about if I had thought this through and when he realized I had he really supported me. I also told some of the other leaders that I worked side by side with, because I would out for several weeks when I had the surgery, some of these leaders expressed serious concern and tried to talk me out of it, but I had already made up my mind by this point.

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 really excited for me, I pulled her aside told her what I had decided and she supported me from the get go. I was off work for 4 weeks.

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

I thought (on a personal note) that this was the worse part of the whole procedure. I was in the hospital for 4 days, and my behind was so sore from laying on it so much. A couple of things I found to be good to bring is: a small fan, a pillow for the ride home, Lever 2000 wipes, lip balm, and a friend.

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?

I could not wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. But that first night I did not sleep at all. I could not get comfortable, and I thought I would never sleep right again. But everyday I got better. Every day I could do a little more, sleep a little better and walk a little further. Everyday was a better day.

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

Again, I will tell you....BE PREPARED. If you are going to have someone with you or if you can, this is good. But prepare. Have some food already ready prepared; such as instant potatoes, or rice or cream of wheat; prepare this in a ice cube tray. You will only be able to eat maybe two cubes of food. Also, have a baby spoon there, this will help you to eat slow and small bites. OH, AND LEAVE YOUR WATER IN THE KITCHEN SO YOU WON'T DRINK BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER YOUR MEALS.

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

I only traveled about 7 miles. This was still a difficult trip. I had my pillow against me the whole way, but my friend was very careful to drive slowly and carefully (especially over train tracks - OUCH)

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.

Following my surgery I was allowed soft foods from day 5. I would only eat instant potatoes, rice, soft scrambled eggs, sugar-free jello and sugar-free ice pops. But I really could not stand sugar-free stuff so I never really ate them. I have always loved ice cream, but found that low sugar and no sugar ice cream is one thing that I cannot tolerate. I dump. I also stay away from soda. I have not had a soda since June. I tried once to drink a Sprite, but it hurt my tummy. I increased my meat intake mostly. There are days when I can not really tolerate chicken, but usually can. I do not have breads, mainly because they fill me up so much. But now I know that I can eat almost anything. OH, except sugary foods...I cannot tolerate heavy sugary foods (cakes, drinks, ice cream) which is a good thing.

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

Every day my activity level increased. I walked around my room in the first 24 hours, then I had walked down the hall. By the time I was home I was able to get up from a sitting position, and walk to the bathroom and/or to the kitchen. But this would make me tired. But, each day was better, I would walk around the apt building, then within 3 weeks I could walk around the mall or around the apartment complex. By Sept (3 months) I was able to go to the fair and walk around and keep up with everyone, they were asking me if I wanted to sit and rest up.

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

I take a protein drink every morning. I take a prenatal vitamin 1200 mg of calcuim and by the afternoon (around lunch time) I take an additional Flinstone vitamin.

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?

About a month after my surgery I devoloped sleeping trouble. I could not get to sleep or would wake and not be able to get to sleep. My doctor was understanding and gave me a sleeping pill that worked nicely for this. I also started losing my hair about 3 months after my surgery. It has taken another 3 months to start seeing it grow back.

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

I would say that the worst part was the 3 days in the hospital when I was not walking too much and by behind was sore. I asked a nurse to massage it and she did!

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

I have not really been to any "aftercare" there are about 10 girls at work that have had the surgery and we are our own support group. We discuss our troubles and monthly problems and relate and express what is working for ourselves. I have been coming to the RNY websites to just more prospective and insites for aftercare. Hopefully, I too can be help to someone who is going through something I have already gone through.

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

My scar goes from my belly button all the way to where my bra is. It is pinkish in color. No I don't think it is what I expected. It is longer and uglier than what I expected. I don't know if I really knew what to expect. I have seen worse than mine, so I know to be thankful.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My only "plateau" was losing only 8 pounds in a month. (3rd) I have consistantly lost 13-21 lbs a month, this is my 7th month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are hugging me more; talking to me more. Men are more friendly to me, but I have not really been dating. I am waiting till I am ready to date.