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

Surgery was suggested by my nurse pratictioner and I was all for 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 Cigna and it was really very easy for me. It took about 6 months to get through all of the tests and get all of the reports I needed to have. My paper work was sent in on a Wednesday and 3 weeks later on a Wednesday I got the approval.

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

My visit was very easy. He was new to the area and just starting the weight loss surgery. He explained everything in detail to me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact I was either going to die or be in a nursing home in a very short time if I didn't have this surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only did the open 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 had no fearof dying. I have always believed that when my time is up thats it. You can't hide from 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?

All three of my children and their spouses and children have been very supportive. My mother lives in another state and I only see her once a year. I have never told her I had the surgery.So I just told her I was on a doctors supervised diet. She is a person that worrys a lot and I didn't want to worry her.

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

I was forced to retire due to my weight and not being able to do my job

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. I spent the first 2 in ICU due to a breathing problem. This has happened with previous surgeries so I wasn't surprised.My stay was really very easy. Not much pain. The most important thing I would take to the hospital is a fan.

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

The only problem that I had was a breathing problem and was on a vent for 2 days. I remember writing my doctor a note in ICU asking him if he had done the surgery because I had no pain.

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 very calm about everything. I did write my adult kids a letter but I really didn't expect anything to happen.

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

The first few weeks home are kind of hard. My oldest gran daughter and husband stayed with me the first week. Learing to eat again was hard but I got through it.

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

I only had to go about 15 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.

Thw first few weeks were just soft foods. You just have to try things and see what works and what doesn't.

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

The first week I didn't do much but as the weeks progressed I got more energy all of the time.

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

I take a prenatal vitamin,ssynthroid,zoloft,calcium citrate, vitamin C and E.

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 guess the worst thing was the hair loss. But I knew from reading this site that would pass. I have only dumped a few times.

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

I don't think there was any worse part.

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

I have gone to a suppost group once a month since before my surgery. It is very hepful to be able to talk to people that are going through the same things that I am.

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

By now my scar has really faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I HAVE ONLY PLATEAUED ONCE OR TWICE AND ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

nOT REALLY.