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

Well this is a tuff one: I oraginally found out about it from my sister who had a simalur surgery back in the 80's and she lost her life from complications caused by the surgery NOTE: this is not the exact same surgery, but she did lose the weight but my decision was based on alot of research and talking with others before i settled for anything.

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

I had no problems with my Medicare and Medicaid because i was considered morbidly obsese, but i suggest if you want it bad enough you will fight and find a way to have it.

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

My first meeting was great he was reassuring and he answered all my concerns and questions so that i could understand it. People can get the most by going in fully prepared with questions they have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Basicially I didnt want to lose my husband and I wanted to be better for myself and my family to be able to enjoy the rest of my life and not be in pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with doctors.

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 the usual fears I took procautions for everything and got my house in order so to speak. But I just had faith to tell ya the truth.

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 at first was totally against it because of the loss of my sister but then i showed them the information and let them be a part of my decision.

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

My hospital stay was about 3 days I had the open RNY and as far as pain it was minimal. Things I brought with me is a book, loose clothes, slippers.

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

No I had no problems at all with my surgery it all went very smoothly.

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 happy knowing I was going to be having surgery. I just made myself relax and read alot about the surgery.

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

I was sore but other than that it was ok. The hardest thing is eating and drinking and learning how to do it. Its a challenge but well worth it.

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

I hd to travel approximatly 50 miles from my home, and i did it by car. The drive wasnt bad alittle uncomfortable but not bad.

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 had to eat small amounts of liquids at first an then went to soft mushy foods, like jello, pudding, cottage cheese, mashed potatos (always protein foods first). After awhile it was back to eating solid food, but eating the right foods is important once eating solids again, high protien low fat.

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

It started out slow but moved up to more each day.

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

I have taken multi-vitamin daily, tums (for calcium), now I have to take vitamin B-12. and for hair and nail growth I take Biotin.

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?

Hair loss and some dumping but not much of either really. The hair loss for a few months and the dumping only if i eat something i shouldnt. Coping you learn no to eat the things you shouldnt.

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

Probably teaching yourself to eat better and the right foods.

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

I had a friend who had surgery the same day as me we guided each other through it and also online support and obesity help.com support and a great doctor and nutrutionist.

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

My scar is big but a small price to pay for the weight loss.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Yes, I am actually on a plateau now, over a year and a half out of surgery its harder as time goes on .

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they do see the changes in attitude and my outlook on life. More energeic and more outgoing.