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

As a nurse, I have known about it all of my adult life. I never thought I would even consider it. But when you live with rather being dead that alive and know it is because of how you feel about yourself.....you become brave enough to do anything.

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

For me, it was easy. I was approved in 21 days. You have to stay on them. Call them and make sure they get the info. Have your ducks in a row. Know what this surgery will do for you.

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

It was very informative. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!!! Take a list of questions if you have any and ask them. If he dont take the time to answer them......find another surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My self hatred. Something had to give. Me or the weight! I was dying. I had diabetes, sleep apnea, htn and hyperlipidemia.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Researching. As a sweet eater, I knew the lap RNY was the only choice 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?

I had many fears as I knew of people who died shortly before my surgery. For me, the risk at a happier healthier life was worth the risk. As I was slowly dying anyway. I would tell people to have faith and trust that God will take care of them.

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 family and friends have been wonderful. I have had no problems.

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

They were great. Even with 2 surgeries, I only missed one month. They let me come back and set my own hours. They were the best.

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

It was great. The hosp was one of the best I had ever been in. As a former health facility surveyor, I was very impressed with the care. I was there 2 days. The most important thing besides family to bring is something for dry lips.

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

Yes.........12 days later I developed an intestional obstruction. It was the worst experience of my life because I lived 5 hours from my surgeon and no dr wanted to touch me here due to their limited understanding of this surgery. I was shipped from one hosp to another. I was finally sent back to my surgeon...THANK GOD!!!! I stayed in the hospital for 6 days this time and had a second surgery that was easier than the first. I did develope a fever from cellulitis from the IVS. That was awful too.

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 have had no anxiety except when I was going through the complication with the obstruction. I was very tired for about 6 weeks and then my energy returned more powerful than ever before.

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

It was a time of trial and error. You had to try to learn what would work for you food wise and what wouldnt. People should listen to their drs and do what he says. Expect to be down and to miss food some. I was never hungry at first. It was great to feel like I Had a second chance.

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

I traveled 290 miles. I had to go back in 6 weeks then I will go back in a year. The only problem was when I had the complication and got real sick.......I had to travel to Atlanta with an obstrucion. But I made it!!!!!!

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.

This is a biggy. At first, I was on liquids for 72 hours then soft foods for 6 weeks. After six weeks, anything was game as long as I could tolerate it. I have had very little problems tolerating anything as long as I Chew Chew Chew. I try to stay away from sugar and milk products. I do however notice I eat too many carbs and this causes me to eat more so be careful of the carbs.

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

Dead tired the first 6 weeks. After that , I had more energy than ever before.

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

Flintstone chewables complete Tums 3 times a day I did some protein supplements the first few weeks

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?

No side effects thus far.

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

The waiting for the approval from the insurance!!!!!!

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

I am on OSSG and sometimes go to the support groups online. There are none in my area. My Dr also has a chat and support group on his web page.

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

Very tiny scars......hardly even noticeable. Surprisingly I am proud of them!!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Speaking of plateaus, I am on one now but I know it is because I am eating too many carbs and gazing somewhat. I am trying to tackle this situation.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do and to be honest, it pisses me off to some degree. I mean inside I am the same vibrant woman I was before. But now it as if they can see me past the fat. I wish they would have seem me through the fat before surgery. It kinda shows you peoples true selves.