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

Being on disability and on Medicare, I didnt have the worries that others have with insurance. My BMI was 49, I had several co-morbidities that secured it for me.

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

My first meeting was very insightful. I had written down questions that I had thought of. I researched alot before my appt. so I pretty much knew what to expect. My Dr. was very kind and understanding, but also stressed that I had to be very sure, and it was never too late to change my mind. Dont be afraid to ask anything. They are there for YOU. Trust your gut instincts. If you dont feel comfortable, there are other surgeons to meet.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After much research, thinking of my quality of life and wanting more...I decided it was the ONLY thing I could do to save my life. I would like to be around to be a grandma some day.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research and more research. After studying the after-effects and the type of things I personally can deal with, I kept getting pulled in the direction of the gastric reduction/deudenal switch. I didnt decide until I checked into every type of bariatric surgery available now. I read and watched videos etc. Attended meetings for different types. I have friends that have had the RNY and that are very happy and successful. It is a personal choice.

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?

If you dont have fears and concerns, something is wrong. Again you weigh the pros and cons of having the surgery verses not having the surgery. Talk to as many people as you can who have had the surgery and learn from them. I had a fear of dying, I wrote a letter to my son (just in case) it helped to ease my mind. Afterwards I became excited at the new life ahead of 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?

I have had excellent support from my family. With my parents, I took the research and showed them I really did look into this and I wasnt taking it lightly. When they learned about the surgery and heard of others success, they backed me up 100%. They have been very worried about my health, so they also looked at this as a new start for me. Afterwards, I love sharing updates with all my family, they are all so proud of my success.

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 fine. I had excellent care and the pain was managed very well. I was in for 5 days. Most important things to bring are the clothes to come home in. I used my own shampoo and toothbrush/paste,lip balm and comb/brush. I definately over packed. I brought a makeshift butt-wiper, just in case, but didnt end up needing it.

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

I had no complications. I had normal bouts of gas, but I kept walking, walking and walking.

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 had many different feelings. Planning takes your mind off alot of things, especially if making arrangements for kids and pets. All the different stages are normal. When everything was done, I felt a calmness and peace.

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

I was moving very slow. Unable to pick things up from the floor, I had some help for the first week. Then I was able to do most everything myself. It was hard for me to have someone waiting on me, I am very independant, but it was greatly appreciated. The most important thing to do is walk as much as possible. Sleep as needed, rest and heal.

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

I traveled about 2 hours from home. The first night I stayed in a motel and then was able to have my staples and jp drains removed before I headed home. I stopped every 30 minutes (per Dr's orders) and walked a little. Made for a little bit longer trip, but safer. I did fine on the trip. Held my pillow to my tummy and felt protected. After 30 days I saw my PCP for a check-up. I was in almost daily contact with either the surgeon or his staff after I was home. I felt very cared for.

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 followed my Dr orders on diet. Starting with liquids and soft foods. I waited to try new things until he thought it was best. Then its one new thing at a time so you will know what effects you and what doesnt. The only problem I had was with gas, as my body adjusts to the new plumbing. It improved as the weeks progressed. I virtually can eat anything I want, I try to avoid sugar and real high fat foods, as they tend to give me loose stools and gas. But if I really need sugar I can have some and I find I dont need but just a little to satisfy me, compared to before when I could eat a whole bag of M&M's (pounder) I am able to go out to eat now and I plan on getting a take home box, it usually feeds me a couple of more meals. I have found that I have a low tolerance to flour/wheat products, very uncomfortable gas etc. So I avoid those foods, if I go to a burger place, I take the meat and cheese off the bun and just eat the inside. I can handle popcorn, and corn chips instead of crackers and bread etc. If I feel the need for such items. The best thing is that I dont feel deprived in the least. The weight keeps coming off.

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

Getting up and walking slowly and going as far as I could. A half a block, to a block and tried to increase a few steps each time I walked. Then I would need to rest. I had to nap alot the first few weeks after surgery.

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

I take a multi-vitamin with iron and I take calcium supplements (Viactiv) I have just started taking a supplement for hair growth, called Follicure, we will see if it prevents much fall-out.

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 experienced no nausia or vomiting. My sleep is only disturbed once in a while for a bathroom trip. One of the blessings of the type of surgery I chose, is there is no dumping (one of the things I thought I could not live with) My hair is just starting come out on my clothes and comb, etc. I have started some supplements to help, so we will have to see how it works.

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

The worst part to me was the tubes and drains coming from all the many parts of my body. But nothing was unbearable. The absolute worst to me, was the removal of the jp drains after I was discharged. I was relieved to get rid of them, but I hated the feeling when they were removed. It was a distasteful weird feeling that I didnt like. But it was over with quickly.

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

I attended 2 before my surgery (my surgeons requirement) and I attend them once a month faithfully. I look forward to them, I enjoy seeing my Dr and staff, plus the numerous friends I have made through this journey. I feel its very important as does my Dr, he would like to see you attend them for at least a year after surgery.

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

My scar is from an open procedure, so its good size. But it looks better and better each week. I dont plan on wearing any bikini's anyway. It's nice to have a man-made scar on my stomach instead of all the fat induced ones (stretch marks)Maybe someday I will put a pretty rose or someother kind of tattoo over it...who knows...right now I am pretty proud of it, I flash it all the time...lol

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 10 pounds in the first 5 days, it kept coming off very quickly. Eventually it slowed down, a week may go by without losing anything, then I drop 2 to 3 pounds at once. I look at the whole time and the average I am losing, I am very satisfied....60 lbs in 3 months. I plan on exercising away alot more in the next 3 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, do notice alot more smiles and even some looks from the opposite sex...My son is shocked "Mom! He is totally checking you out!!" I love it, but am also a little embarrassed by it. I guess it will take time to get used to feeling normal again. I enjoy