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

A friend was having it. I was initaly scared of it and did not think it was for me.

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

I was initaly told by BCBS that my "condition" was pre existing, and because my insurance had a pre existing surgical clause in it I had to wait an additional 9 months. The reason my "condition" was pre existing is because I had been to the Dr prior to having the insurance for my "condition". My "condition" was obesity. I did advise the lady at BCBS that you do not wake up 112lbs over weight and that there is no way for obesity not to be pre existiing, and in order to be approved for the surgery I also had to prove to them that I had been battling obesity for a period of time so they were actually giving me a bunch of double talk.

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

I went into my first visit knowing what I needed because my best friend and my mother had already had the surgery. People need to know that it is NOT the easy way out. But they also need to knw that there is support out there for them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had a pulled muscle in my back and had been out of work for 15 weeks. the Dr advised me I had to loose 50 lbs NOW. Also I was a 33 yr old woman and I wanted to see my children grow uo and I wated to live to see my grandchildren.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose a surgeon and this was the procedure he did. Scarring was not an issue for me.

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 went into this knowing the risk. The risk were explained to me by Dr Nye and his staff. I advise anyone to ask questions. If you have any questions, write them down as they come to you and ask your physican, do not be ashamed to ask him/her anything.

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 Husband: He was scared for me just b/c ut was having surgery. But he was very supportive. My Children: Scared and initally did not want me to have the surgery. But were later very supportive. Best Friend: She was excited for me b/c she had already been through it. My Mother: ALso excited for me b/c she had been through it just a few months prior.

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

They were excited for me and just asvised me they wanted what was best for me. I was out only 5 weeks.

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

I had a pleasant stay in the hospital. The staff was great. The most important thing to bring is a loved one and then comfortable clothes 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 felt scared and nervous and mostly excited. I cried and I just prayed.

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

I was tired, and sore. I think the best thing is to WALK!!!!

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

Approx 1hr from my house.

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.

My Dr gave me a week to week diet to follow, beginnign with clear liquids. I did really good until I got to solids and of course it was a little hard at first. I am still unable to eat chicken or steak. These 2 meats do not digest well with me. I also can not have any citrus fruit or juices, but I do not give up. I try them about every couple of weeks.

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

I walked around in my house at first, then I walked outside my house, then each day I would walk a little further even if it was just 5-10 steps.

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

Daily: Mu;ti vitamin, Calcium Citrate,2 Tums twice a day , and 1 Viactiv chew 2 times a day. B-12: 2 times a month

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?

Vomiting: Only when I eat too much ( even a little taste) or eat too fast. Drink too fast after eating. Hair Loss: I did have a little but not a lot, I feel that this was minimul b/c I ate a lot of fish once I was able to eat solids I would eat fish 3-4 times a week for lunch. I di dnot loose enough hair to even be noticeable.

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

Teh forst few days after the surgery just b/c of the soreness. after t he forst 10 days that had passed.

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

My family and friends. IT is very important, I do not think that I would have done as well as i have woth out them. They gave me the help and confidence I needed.

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

IT is very minimul. I had open PNY and it is there but it has faded greatly. It is what I expected b/c my physican had already had me prepared.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost quickly at first but around my 6 month mark it seemed that I just stopped. Then I began loosing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. Even People who knew me before. People do treat overweight people differently , with less respect.