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

My insurance approval was very easy. I wrote a very heartfelt letter to them explaining why I felt I needed this. My pcp wrote a letter and my surgeon sent everything in. I was approved within two days.

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

My first visit was very imformative. I wish that I had taken a list of my questions with me instead of just trying to remember them all on my own. My Dr. went over the entire process, the risks, and the possibilities.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have surgery because I am so tired of trying everything else. I have tried about everything and have had great success for a limited period of time. With this surgery it seems more permanent. I want to see my kids grow up and I really want to get some enjoyment out of life again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didn't decide, it was just the one my aunt and mom had and the one this surgeon did. I liked everything I read about rny so it really was no decision at all.

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 lots of fears. I was scared I would not wake up. I was scared I would have a leak or get a incisional infection. I was scared it would not work for me. I was scared of everything at the same time I was excited about the possibilities.

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 at first did not take me serious. All except my mother. My husband and closest friends were like, "yeah right." They said I wasn't big enough, they said why don't you try the diet dr again. Finally though when I really became serious so did they. They have been extremely supportive both before and after. I have a best friend that really stepped up and took over and did everything for me.

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

I work for the school district. I am off all summer.

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

My hospital stay was nice enough. I was there 5 days. Maybe a fan is something important to have because the air won't be cool enough no matter how low you put it. Good slippers are important as you will be doing alot of walking.

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 felt very happy and very scared at the same time. I did feel extremely emotional. I was worried that I was putting my family at undue risk, "what if's". I was scared that I wouldn't wake up. I was scared that the Dr. would mis a place and I would have a leak. I was scared my incision would become infected. I was scared it wouldn't work for me. One Sunday at church my preacher prayed for me and let family and friends pray with us. I knelt and they all layed there hands on me and prayed for me and for my Dr. That really helped with all the what if's.

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

I am now 6 weeks post op and feeling really good. I did not have alot of pain from this surgery even though mine was open rny. I started walking out side around my 8 or 9 th day and have been continuing to do so. The hard part is remembering that there are certain things I cannot do or at least am not supposed to do. You should expect a period of rest with some activity.

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

I only had to trave 15 minutes to the hospital. My surgeons office is right across the street so both are very convenient.

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.

The first two days I could eat, (in the hospital) I had broth and jello and juice. When I got home day 3 to now I have been eating pureed soup. Potato, Tomato, Split Pea, I also had oatmeal for breakfast and carnation instant breakfast. 6 weeks post op: at 2 wks I was allowed to begin anything as far as food goes that I wanted to. I drink carnation instant breakfast with carbolite in the mornings. I can now eat anything. I tend to stay away from breads just because I am scared of them getting stuck or expanding my pouch.

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

Now I am sticking with walking short distances.(1/4 mile)I made it this far on my 8th and 9th days postop.

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

None yet

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?

None so far.

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

The iv.

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

I attend a support group each month that Dr. Rowitz has in Anderson. He was not my surgeon but has welcomed me into his group. He is great and I really enjoy the group. I also attend a support group (Brand new) that my PCP has started. It is very small, but I thought it was nice of them to go to the trouble to try and help.

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

My scar is already (6 wks) very thin. I think it will be just a long very thin line. I credit this to wearing a binder after surgery for a month. My scar is better than I hoped. At seven months post op, my scar has REALLY faded alot. Maybe I just scar very well, but whatever it is I love it. You would have to look twice to see it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think one of the best experiences I have had post op hasbeen all the positive feed back that I recieve from people. I love shopping in the regular side of the store instead of the queen department. It is great so far and can only hope it keeps getting better and better.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, some. I notice a difference in the way some people act. Like strangers, mostly men. They seem to be alittle nicer to me and alittle quicker to offer help. THe only other difference is people saying things all the time. YOu know like, you really look good or you are getting too skinny.(Please)