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

12 years ago I guess. Was very interested but not ready as I did not keep my initial appointment

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

In B.C. our medical system covers the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery. Long waits for most people 2-4 years

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

group meeting with other patients of Dr. Amson's. He has us watch a surgery related movie and discussed specific specialists he would have me see, told me join a support group, give up white carbs, and follow an exercise plan.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Right time, I was ready.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

research and what I figured would be the best tool to work my food issues

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?

The thought occurred to me that I may be that minute percentage of those who die during the surgery, or what if I am the one to have major complications?, what if I can't make the changes? What if I leave my daughter without a mom for "vanity" I would tell people that they are normal, and it is a norma process to go through; all its thoughts and feelings with it

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?

Most were very supportive and I chose to share after the surgery rather than before with a lot of friends. Close friends and family knew before. Most are still supportive.

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

My employer was very excited and supportive. I told her what I was doing and how long I would take off. I took seven weeks, one week really for healing the body and the rest to get used to my pouch and tool and adopt a lifestyle where I would be successful.

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

Hospital stay was great; nurses very good. I stayed in the hospital for two days and the most important thing to bring would be "throw away slippers"

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?

Worked through head hunger with supportive friends and my support group. Coped with anxiety one day at a time

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

I had tons of energy and had to really pay attention not to over extend myself

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

105 kilometres

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.

6wks - soft protein, well steamed vegies, little bit of fruit 8 weeks - solid protein, raw vegies Had a hard time with ground beef for awhile, sits heavy in my pouch and makes a lot of noise. Off limit foods are any carb besides veg or fruit. No bread, rice, potato, crackers, etc. etc. etc. No sweets, no chocolate, no chips - no nothing :)

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

went back to the gym after one week and have gone 5-6 days per week since. 1-1.5 hours per day of cardio and weight training

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

Iron b12 biotin chewable multi vit c vit d calcuim/magnesium Pariet protein drinks

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 started around three months and I am still losing it; some days are slower than others. I cut my hair shorter, that's about it . Biotin too No dumping, no vomiting, had a piece of spinach stuck once, but it worked itself out.

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

Nothing, it is one heck of a cool ride and lots of work, but worth every minute of it.

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

Two monthly support groups Two online support groups Post ops who started their journey before me

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

five little poke holes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to plateau every few weeks for a few days (4-12), usually during my monthly cycle

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am treating me differently