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

My nutritionist recommended it after 18 months working with her. Initially I didn't want to proceed, but she talked me into doing it FOR ME.

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

It was actually quite easy. I had the tests done, interviewed with a psychologist, completed an in depth survey and then waited 30 days for the insurance company to get back with me. They called on the 30th day in April 2004.

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

It was great. Dr. Stegemann was (is!) fantastic. Come prepared with questions, answers to your surveys, and prepare for a very long day of testing, interviews, and tests. Be very honest in your responses.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

No other alternatives. Dr. Stegemann was empathetic, trusting, understanding, not rushed, talented. For the first time I allowed myself to have hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The lapband was not considered the gold standard yet and I wanted every opportunity to dump. Being a compulsive eater, it was important that I not only had something to control my portion sizes, but also to help me control compulsive emotional sugar and carbohydrate binging. Laprascopic RnY was the method 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?

None. I had all of my questions answered and knew exactly what to expect.

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?

Very supportive, but worried about the possibility of dying.

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

Supportive. I told them what I was doing. I was out of work for 4 weeks (my choice - could have gone back at 3 weeks, but had the time and decided to take it!).

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

Nurses were very attentive. I was there for 3 days. Important to bring chapstick, robe, slippers, book, ipod

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

I passed a blod clot (we think) because when I peed there was lots of blood. As a result, I was aneomic when I left the hospital and had to take two iron pills daily. After the surgery (about 1 week later) I had very strong nerve-like pain down my right thigh. We believe it's because I'm built like a pear and all my weight is in my butt and hips and thighs. Laying down caused a pinched nerve - still have the pain but it's nothing like it was three years ago. Other than that, everything went very well.

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 great! No anxiety.

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

Walk walk walk. Also, keep nclose tabs on how big bites are and how much you chew the food. I had to get a food timer and actually time my chews and cut up my food before I sat down to eat.

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

about 6 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.

After liquid and mushy foods, I had trouble eating chicken and heavy beef. After about 6 months, beef was easier (if I chewed it really, really well) but I still have some trouble with dry chicken.

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

Walking lots. Pretty active.

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

two prenatal vitamins daily. 1500 mg calcium citrate. 1 boniva a month. 1 B12 shot monthly.

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 was the worse. I bought four different wigs and had a great time wearing them - but it was hard to see clumps of hair in brushes, on shirts, in sinks, and the tub. I was happyb about the dumping (and still am).

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

Nothing!

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

1 general support group meeting monthly and 1 graduate meeting monthly. Also still see a psychologist for emotional eating whenever I can afford it. YOU CAN'T SUCCEED WITHOUT SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT. I have a group of around 8 WLS patients and we meet, talk, and have a Yahoo group for posting almost on a daily basis.

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

I had my surgery laprascopically - can hardly see the scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People look me in the eyes, open doors, ask if I need help in stores, smile a lot, don't mind if I sit next to them (especially on planes)