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

I first found out about the surgery from a highschool friend. I never kept up with him, so I don't know if he had it done, or if he didn't. Years later, I researched it myself.

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

I was very thorough in my research and documentation. I took a lot of time creating an organized and thorough diet history, and my honest, yet emotion evoking letter to the insurance company. I feel this is the reason I was approved in ONE day. BCBS has been great to work with so far.

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

I think the way to get the most out of the first visit, is to begin a notebook of questions, and take it with you to the visit... and then write the answers down in the book (it's easy to forget bits and pieces when there is SO much to know). I left the surgeons office feeling more confident in my decision, and very relieved that I found the best person for the job. It's my opinion that if a patient feels any less faith in their surgeon than that, they should find another one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I decided I did NOT want to live in this body for one more moment. I was exhausted from trying diets, and exercize... and came to the realization that even if I were able to muster the will power to take off this extra 130 pounds... how would I ever keep it off. I came to the decision to have the surgery, when I realized I wouldn't be able to live as a thin person any other way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the Rny because of the success/failure rate comparison to other surgeries... and because it is the most commonly performed operation. I decided to have it "open" because I wanted the dr. to be able to see and touch what he was working with.

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 was petrified at first, that I would die in surgery... or that I would develop an infection, or pneumonia... or whatever. Then a good friend of mine... maybe a little bigger, and 15 years older died of a heart attack at 40 years old. It opened my eyes. Who wants to diet their life away... living in an uncomfortable body that has limited mobility and very limited stamina, only to die at 40 years old???

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?

I chose to tell a limited number of family and friends. Many of them, do still not know yet, and I will tell them when the time is right. I don't feel like I owe anyone an explanation about my choice. I've found that if a person has not dealt with obesity in their own life... they just DO NOT GET IT, and my life is not up for argument.

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

I told my employer I would be having surgery, and would be back to work in approximately 3 weeks. I expressed to him that this was of a personal nature, and I would not be sharing the details. I decided beforehand, that if this was a problem to my employer, that he could fire me before I told him. I was not going to be coerced into anything.

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

My stay in the hospital was uneventful for the most part. The attention and care I received was great. I was in the regular surgical unit for about 2 1/2 days. I think it's important to bring slip on slippers, and chap stick... maybe a scented body wash too. Hospital soap isn't great.

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

No complications

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

right now I am 2 weeks post op. I feel great, energetic... no problems

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

I've been learning a lot! Nothing tastes the same as it used to, I notice texture in an entirely new way... and enjoy food more, as strange as that seems.

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

The hospital, dr.s office, and dietician all are in the same building or general area... about 5 or 10 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.

I was supposed to be on a 3 week liquid diet. I made it 4 days, and started with puree with NO prob. I have been eating regular and soft foods carefully for a few days too... I feel much better!

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

I have a lot more energy than before the surgery already. In fact, 1 week post op, I walked a 2 mile nature hike!

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

I'm not allowed any yet

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 have no ill side effects yet.

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

Waiting for approvals, and paperwork!!!

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

My surgeon has his own support group, and I also participate in an online support group. It is REALLY important to have support from people who understand the ups and downs of the process!

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

I have a 5 inch vertical scar, starting one inch below the tip of my sternum. It is VERY narrow, and pink. It is smaller, and nicer looking than I anticipated.. in fact with a little sun next summer, I don't think it will even be noticeable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

too early yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no one really knows yet, but there are a few people in my life I can tell feel threatened by my becoming a different person. It is hard to deal with sometimes, but easier than the idea of dying before my children graduate highschool of a heart attack