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

I worked in a "large size womens" dress shop and several customers came in to buy clothes as they were losing weight. After a while I would never see them again.

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

Had no problems

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

I came so completely prepared with info that I got from this site. Dr. Thirlby was very impressed with the info that I had. He was very straight forward letting me know the benefits as well as the risks.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the open RNY because the chatroom had so many members that had great results with it.

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 sooooooo nonchalant until a week prior to surgery. I hit at the realization that I might not make it through. I remember sitting down and writing a post mortem letter to my 10 year old. I was sobbing hysterically throught the whole thing. It seemed to be extremely cathartic. I seemed to be Okk after that. I think that there is something wrong if you never experience any fear. But I would hate to see it stop anyone from doing this for themselves.

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 told EVERYONE that would listen. Deep down I think it was so I couldn't back out. I recieved a lot of support from whom it mattered. There were some people trying to talk me out of it. I must say that I have had no negative reaction from anyone (to my face) LOL

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 in a nutshell...fabulous. She gave em her full and complete support. We were short staffed before I left and she never made an issue of it. I will always love her for the support that she gave me.

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

The hospital was great! The pain management was phenominal. All but one nasty nurse were wonderful. I would suggest that you bring shampoo and conditioner. Thats really it. You won't feel like reading. TV and the "pump" keep you occupied. and if you are bored you should get off yer duff and do laps!

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

About 2 weeks after surgery my stupid wound opened about an inch at the bottom. This was one of my biggest fears coming to fruition. I had visiting nurses come and "wick and clean" the wound. It was really frustrating and terribly depressing. Right when I thought it would never end....it closed. No problems since.

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 so depressed and disenchanted directly following surgery. It was painful! Eating was a chore. Seeing my family go on with thier lives and food was agonizing. I felt left out and alone. I really think the best thing that worked for me was going back to work. I was feeding on the pity that my husband gave me and at work it was business as usual. After the 5th week I suddenly realized how darn good I felt.

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

Rest rest rest! and take your pain meds! I think that those of you that walked 2 milees a day are incredible, I feel for myself that I needed the recouperation time. I think it's a woman thing to think that we have to be doing something at all times or we are lazy and invaluable. I followed the Dr's orders on walking and didn't go much above and beyond that. In the end I think my body thanks me.

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

I had my surgery in Seattle about 50 miles from my home.

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 never in my wildest dreams ever thought of giving up bread and pasta but they just do not agree with me. I have cut most sugar from my diet as well as given up soda pop. I am still having a hard time tolerating meat. I have turned into a soup connisuer. I also eat rice, potatoes and salads. I live primarily on ice tea :)

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

Low activity

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

I take a multi and a B-12 and an Iron supplement daily and a VIACTIV ...yumm

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?

The nausea after surgery nearly did me in. I couldn't take it for much longer. I went back to CLEAR liquids for a few days and it subsided. The nausea was definately the wost experience for me.

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

Again the nausea was the worst part of the surgery process.

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

None and I feel fine about it. I am not much of a group joiner

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

My scar looks pretty darn good. I am currently doing the vitamin E thing to it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After week six, I experienced a 2-3 week plateau. It was irritating as anything, but I was reassured that it would eventually end. In the third week I began dropping weight again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Guys are much nicer to me. I don't think my husband likes that. I am much more creative at work and willing to take risks that might attract attention to myself. Overall I think that people in general interact much better with me because I don't feel like a slug.