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

I went to a seminar about 2 years agon (2005) for information. My doctor recommended the surgery in 9/2006 and recommended Dr. Green. I was ready for surgery at this time. Before, I was not ready

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

My insurance approved me within a week of sending in paperwork. No problem with insurance processs. I have BCBS federal.

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

It was very encourageing, Dr. Green was very knowledgable of the surgery process. He presented the information to me in a way that I could understand and ask questions. My first meeting is what encouraged me to continue with the WLS process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went in thinking I was going to get the lapband, but I want a more drastic approach, RNY. Come to find out my insurance only paid for RNY at the time.

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 knew about the risks, but my focus was on being in better health and losing weight. I read, read, & read, asked questions, joined the support group, to help me with my fears. Information and knowledge is the key.

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 mother was skeptical. My husband was scared out of his wits. I did take my husband with me to my support group so that he could ask his own questions. I really did not include a lot of other people because I did not want any negative feedback from the.

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

They did not know what kind of surgery I was haveing. I was out from work 6 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was a pleasant one. I did not complain about much pain. I only had to bring some personal items and my CPAP machine.

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?

I was haveing problems with gas pains really bad. I just follow the instructions from my doctor. It was very frustrating and I cried a couple of times when it wouldn't go away quickly. I didn't have any regrets about surgery.

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

It was challeging, drinking liquids and not being able to eat solid food. I got tired of the liquids, but I knew I had to follow instructions (very important). The stay at home was easy because I didn't have children to care for. My husband only needed to care for himself, which he did. I got a lot of rest.

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

A fifteen minute ride.

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.

The first 6 week was pretty basic. Liquids, softfoods. I ate a lot of chicken noodle soup starting my 4th week. I could not eat the puree food so I stayed with soups and softfoods. I would chop my food up real fine but not puree. I was not able to eat chicken nor beef until my 4 or 5th month. I just couldn't tolerate it until then. I cannot do milk, so I have switched to soy milk. I cannot do cream sauces,because of milk. I have recently discovered I cannot do yogurt any more because of the milk. I use to be able to eat the yogurt, but not now. It is an ongoing challenge with food selection.

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

At the beginning, I was walking just about everyday, little at a time. After about 5 weeks, I joined the Gym with a personal trainer. I currently work out 4 times a week ( 2 times with personal trainer).

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

Mulivitamines B Complex B1 Iron 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?

I had nausea, vomiting for a while, the adjustments are challeging but was tolerable. I have had a little hair loss, but make sure to take your protein each day. I am 6 months out and sometimes I do vomit when I underestimate my food or if I eat to fast. Its a daily challenge on the amout of food to eat. Sometimes I am still hungry (I think) but then I overfill my pouch. That can cause dumping and vomiting. So I am back to measuring portions.

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

Gas pains

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

I do attend Obesity surgery specialist support group 2 times a month. I is very helpful. I can get suggestions from others and we encourage each other on this Weight loss journey.

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

Just 5 little marks on my belly. They are fading away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I average about 2 lbs a week now. I know I can do more. I am strength training so the weight don't show on the scale. But I am at 93.6 lbs lost at 6 months. Plateaus are discouraging but tolerable. It's hard to understand the weight loss process.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I don't think I have lost enough for that. I know that people look at me differently but oh well. I just pray that my attitude don't change much.