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

I worked for a doctor who was Medical director of an eating disorder unit. We saw many patients who had the various procedures done. Of course I also saw all the complications too. I was too scared to even think of it then, and I was only 50lbs over IBM. (only 50, Lord, Id give my right arm to be ONLY 50lbs overweight). Ive always kept it in the back of my mind though. It wasnt until I read Carnie Wilsons books and my health started downhill, that I thought it was a viable option. I have since done alot of research, and with the Laproscopic procedures now, Im a believer

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

I have an HMO so I thought I was going to have the experience from hell. But as it turned out, it went very smoothly. The trick is to have a Primary Doctor that is pro WLS. Also have your Dr's document every visit your weighed at as a weight check visit. Tell the nurse when you go in that the reson for your visit is " (whatever your current problem is) and a Weight check" most insurances have a Dr supervised weight loss attempt requirement.

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

Go in with a complete medical history. Have your medical records with you. A letter of medical necessity from your PCP is extremely helpful. Have a diet and weight loss history for at least 5 years. RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!!! Find out from OH or attend their support group before even meeting the doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My son.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap RNY is one of the least invasive procedures. Its a procedure with alot of data and clinical outcomes to show success rates.

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 dont fear dying, and the only complication I fear is stroke. However, that being said, my doctor and his team take every precaution. If something happens, is it worse than what would happen to me if I contnue on as I am.

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?

Some were very supportive, some were very worried

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

It was up and down depending on the nurses on duty. Some didnt know how to work the equipment and some didnt want to bother, but all in all it was alright

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

I had a leak and had an open procedure following the Laproscopic procedure. I also had some respiratory problems and was in ICU for 4 days

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 had a mental melt down about 2 weeks after. I MOURNED FOOD. I thought I deprived beself of all joy around food. I was throwing up and wondered what in the Hell did I do

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

Be prepared for the grief. This whole thing is 90% mental.

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

5mi

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.

Yogurt and protein drinks were my saving grace. I still have a problem with chicken, but can eat red meat fine. Im 6 months out 10-05 and can eat just about anything, but I have to be careful with bread pasta or tortillas. I still have a protein drink in the am every morning.

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

Till 4 months out I just walked, then I started the gym. I go 3-4 days a week and walk 10,000 steps 5 days a week.

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

I take Centrum chewable, biotin, calcium, and iron

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 had a hard time with sleeplessness at first. I still dump on the wrong foods and I have hairloss that is really bugging me. The biotin seems to have slowed it down though

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

The first 3-4 months

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

Very good as far as follow up by surgeon and support group. The nutritionist is another story. She never returned my phone calls and was hardly ever available when I called. So I just called one of the older post ops for advice.

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

You mean the shark attack scars HAHAHA I had 2 procedures plus my ols gallbladder scar..so my belly looks like a road map.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit several. Mostly when I didnt exercise or gtet all my water in

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES... they treat me with respect