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

I was reading my local paper and saw the seminar. I was very hesitant at first, but decided to just go and give it a chance. Once, I started listening, I began my quest to ultimately have the procedure.

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

I have to say that getting my approval was really a blessing because it took about two weeks and that was it. My insurance company required 3mos of nutrition classes instead of the standard six, 5 year history of attempts to lose weight and also history of chronic diseases related to obesity. The staff at the weight loss center along with my primary physician really made sure everything was in order before sending it to the insurance company. I would advise everyone at this stage to make sure you have all the info they ask for to prevent any possible delays. It is a daunting task.

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

It was very relaxed because he has a very good bedside manner so to speak. Everything was explained in such detail and my questions were answered thoroughly. He really took his time during the consultation. The program I was under you don't see the surgeon until you have been approved and have received a surgery date.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that I could either take the risk from the surgery or live the rest of my life wondering what could have been. I feel at 37 years old there is too much that I still want to do and I didnt want to get any larger and have my family doing everything for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Laproscopic RNY

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 over all the risks that were explained to me and they sounded ghastly, but I have a strong faith and since I had prayed for this so much and God made it happen. I knew that he had bought me too far for me to start being afraid. It is God's will and what ever happened, I felt it was meant for me.

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 so supportive and the few friends I told were kind of happy, but also I could tell that they were worried that they were losing the fat, happy friend. I was only happy on the outside.

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

My supervisor doesn't know I had gastric bypass only that I had surgery because I feel that it is up to me to tell when I am comfortable. Four weeks was my timeframe to be out of work and felt it was needed because the body needs time to really heal and you are adjusting to a new diet.

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

My stay was two days. My surgery was on a Monday and I went home that following Wednesday. The nurses take really good care of you. I didnt take alot, my favorite pillow and also my personal hygiene items, along with comfortable clothes to go home in.

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

I was blessed to not have an complications to date. My surgery was on 7/23/07.

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

That time was very nervous for me. I began to get really anxious. I prayed alot and work kept me busy.

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

At the time I am submitting this I will be two weeks post op. I can honestly say it has been hard. The hardest part for me is getting in all my protein and liquids because I feel I am forcing it. Also, it is just a frustrating time in my opinion because it is a vast change and you have to remind yourself that you are in this for the long haul.

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

My hospital is only twenty minutes away and the surgeon's office is about the same 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.

Since at this writing, I am only two weeks post op but I am on the pureed diet at this point. I came home on full liquids. I don't really have an appetite at this point but you have to get all your daily requirements in. Be prepared to experience some intolerance to foods you could tolerate before.

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

My program stresses walking at this point until they release me to participate in a gym or aerobics class. I will be signing up for water aerobics and also have a recumbent bike in my home.

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

Right now I am on multivitamin and B12. On my next followup visit, Calcium will be introduced.

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?

Nausea is the worst for me right now. If it gets to the point where it is unbearable before my next followup I have been told to not hesitate to call the doctor's office.

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

I can only say that it is a drastic change in your life and body. Be prepared for the ups and downs, but keep focus of the GOAL! The moment those pounds start coming off and you start seeing the scale move in the right direction you will know that it is worth it!

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

My bariatric center has a wonderful support group. I am learning day by day that you need to talk with those who can relate to what you are going through.

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

Since I had laproscopic surgery, I have six sites that don't look bad at all and wont be very noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have not had any yet, but understand it is coming.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, because my immediate family and few close friends know and they have been great.