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

My sister in law is a nurse and she told me about it a few years before I decided to do it. When she initally told me about it, I thought she was crazy. I didn't think that I was that overweight and needed to have surgical help. I was in total denial! I knew deep in my heart that I would never loose the weight without drastic help from something or someone.

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

My experience was pretty plesant. I have Aetna insurance and it was approved in just a few days. If I have any advise it would be to make sure you have at least a 5 year medical history from every doctor that you have seen so it can be sent in with you surgery request.

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

My first visit couldn't have been better. You need to come prepared with as many questions as you can think of. Have them wrote out or typed in advance so you do not forget any of them. Take paper and pen with you so you can write important information down as you discuss it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had been researching the surgery for many months when all of a sudden I was in a severe car accident and the doctors told me that my back and neck would not get better unless I loose weight. That basically made the final decision for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor I went to decided what was best for me. I did not make that decision. I had total trust in him to make that decision.

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 some fears right before I went back to the operating room. I think it was just last minute butterflies. As long as you find a good surgeon that you connect with and you research his history, you will be fine. As for the last minute fears, just say a prayer and put everything in God's hands and you will be just fine.

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 was in shock for many weeks after I announced what I was going to do. Once they realized that I was serious and that I was going to do it, they were behind me 100%. Everyone was even more supportive after the surgery.

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

Everyone at work was very supportive. I told my supervisor as soon as I could so we could train someone to do my job while I was away. I was off work for 8 weeks and 2 days. That was due to the fact that I had a penniculectomy at the same time as my bypass. They cut 17 pounds off of my stomach right after the doctor preformed my bypass.

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 from Monday through Thursday evening. Bring your toothbrush, comb, and very comfortable cloths to wear home.

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 just so excited that I finally had a date, the days just flew by.

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

I was miserable! I could not sleep in bed for at least a month. I could not bend over for a week or so. You are going to need a lot of help when you get home. I suggest you have someone with you for at least a week or 2 after you get home. The second week after surgery, I had a lot of emotional issues that basically resolved themself after my hormones level out.

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

Over 180 miles. It took us an hour and 45 minutes to get to the hospital that I had my surgery at.

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 can not eat any kind of doughy breads or cereals that expand. I have been able to eat pretty much anything else. Popcorn goes down very easy for some reason.

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

I did not do hardly anything the first month. I am 2 months out right now and I walk a lot.

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

Centrum Chewables, Caltrate 600 chewable, B Complex liquid under the tongue.

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?

Nausia every time I showered for the first month. Gag reflux really bad when brushing teeth for the first month. Hair loss really bad first month, now tapering off and I am on my second month. Sense of smell has double since surgery. I had no choice but cope with them.

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

The pain afterwards!

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

I have a support group that I go to that meets every month. I would say that it is very important. You get to hear other people's story's and what they are dealing with and advise from other patients.

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

I have 2 scars. One from my sternum to my belly button that spans 13 inchs. My other scar is where they cut 17 pounds off of my stomach and it goes from my waist line on my right side down under my stomach and all the way to the left waist line. It is a good 2 foot long. It is exactly what I expected, the doctors explained it to me before the surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Only 2 months out - Haven't had one yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! That is the sad part about it. I am still the exact same person that I was before, just lighter.