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

I found out about it through my Dr. he recommended me for it. My impressions were that it was VERY SCARY!! I was scared of dying all the way to the point of them putting me out to have the surgery. But that was all for nothing.

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 very smooth. I had no problems I was approved immediately

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

I love Dr Mary, she put me instantly at ease she has the kindest eyes. What to ask to get the most out of this. I asked all the questions that I was worried about. She was very thorough and answered most of my questions before I had a chance to ask. Mostly I was worried about dying on the table, throwing up a lot and tearing the stitches.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was all paid for by my insurance. How could I pass on that when it was handed to me on a silver platter. It was a once in a lifetime advantage so I went for it fears and all.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was only offered the RNY or the Lap RNY. So I went with the RNY because I was having this surgery with another friend we were doing it on the buddy system. The Lap RNY I would have had to wait 3-4 months the other was within 2 months.

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 MAJOR fears of dying. I even had letters written to my loved ones so they would know how much I loved them, i had my will done. I talked about dying constantly. My friends bless them let me talk it out and reassured me. It was all for nothing but the reality is that soome can die. I have had no problems I am 2 months out and VERY happy with my decision.

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 friends and family were all very supportive and I was really glad about that. I had to go to San Diego without anybody my friend had here family all there and they were suppotive of me but it wasn't the same. I was kind of lonely but glad nobody was bugging while I tried to heal right after surgery. You know you have family and you feel obligated to keep them entertained. So I didn't miss out on that.

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

They were supportive. I was out of work for 3 weeks.

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

I had a very pleasant experience, the nurses were fantastic adn very supportive.

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

No

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

At first I was very tired, but other than that I feel like normal but more happy.

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

Nothing much to say I was home and didn't much but watch tv and learn not to drink after I have eaten that was a very hard habit to break.

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

300 miles approx. My aftercare is at orientations they have here in sacramento.

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.

PORK it made me very sick. Other than that I have been pretty good so far.

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

ZERO. i didn't start working out until 6 weeks after surgery. I walked but I didn't use weights or swim etc.

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

Prenatal vits. E, biotin, Vit C, Calcium

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?

Dumping at first because I would drink a big swallow after I had eaten and it was horrible. I don't do that and I don't dump. I usually can tell if I am going to dump because I will start to hiccup.

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

Rembering to sit up straight because of the stitches.

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

i talk with my buddy that had surgery with me. It is fun to comapre notes.

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

It is very long, but to me no big deal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had one plateau and I was stuck for 2 weeks, I upped my food. I wasn't eating enough and so that is why I was stuck I was eating 600 calories grams a day, I needed at least 900.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people are starting to see me again. It kind of makes me bitter, but that is on them not me. They are missing out.