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

I saw a comercial and several programs on television about people who had had the surgery done. I was all for it at first, but then as my surgery date got closer..i got scared to death and almost cancelled it. SO GLAD I HAD IT DONE.

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

I didnt have any trouble getting my insurance to approve the surgery. I went in for my consultation and my surgeon sent a letter to the insurance company. While waiting for the response from the insurance company, I had all my other tests scheduled and completed, so that when the approval came thru, I was able to set up my surgery date for as quickly as possible. from start to finish was less than 2 months.

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

my first visit with the surgeon was great. he weighed me and did a quick physical, and then we just talked and talked. the thing i feel to get the most out of your meeting is to ask LOTS of questions and listen carefully. my dr had a book that he gives his patients regarding the proceedure and it helped tremendously.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of living my life heavy, and I wanted to be around to watch my children grow up, and i wanted to be an ACTIVE part of that life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

For me I decided to have the laproscopic rny because the thought of the band actually scared me. was worried it would come undone, and after i got down to the size i want to be, i dont want ANYTHING to reverse that.

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 TONS of fears about the surgery itself. having only had 1 previous surgery in my life...my biggest fear was going to sleep and not waking up, and what would happen to my family if that happened. I tell people my philosophy that is what convinced me to go thru it. I am either going to die during surgery trying to do something and change my life, or i am going to continue living my life like it is, and end up dying early because of being so overweight.

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?

before surgery most of my friends and family were pretty supportive. since i have been home from surgery, mostly the people who are support is my spouse and children. I think for the most part, you have to be strong for yourself because you are truly the only one who can make the change for yourself.

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 supportive of my decision because she knew how badly i wanted to have this surgery done. I was out of work for 6 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was fine. the staff was great for the most part. I was in for 2 nights total. I think that loose fitting clothes are important to bring for your trip home. also i would bring a small pillow for the ride home to hold against your stomach on the trip to help avoid the pain from jiggling.

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

I didnt have any complications from the surgery itself, just with life afterwards. just getting used to eating slowly, small amounts, and trying to get the foods to stay down.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After i got my surgery date i was scared as HELL. i coped with it by visiting this website and reading other peoples posts, and looking at the before and after pictures and imgaining what it would be like post op for me.

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

Take it easy, get plenty of rest, and LOTS of fluids.

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

My hospital and surgeon were in the same building, which was about 25 miles away.

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 found that things change from day to day. sometimes things will go down smoothly one day, and when you eat it the next your stomach wont keep it down. dont try to rush things. follow what your dr tells you. I found out the hard way by trying to eat scrambled eggs too early and thought that i was having a heart attack it hurt soooo bad.

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

Immediately after surgery i was pretty weak and needed lots of rest, but i am now able to walk and do more things with my children.

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

right after surgery I took a chewable multi vitamin, but now i am on a solid form, vitamin b-12, 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 still have problems keeping foods down and throw up at least a few times a week. working hard to make sure i dont overeat and eat slowly.

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

the fears pre-surgery.

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

i have 5 small incision marks. not bad at all.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I hear all the time how great i look, and people ask lots of questions about the surgery itself. I am not embarrassed or anything. I am proud of having the surgery, and of the weight i have lost so far.