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

I heard about various surgeries when I was in high school (1982). I did not have really good feeling about it. I thought I could do this on my own. Plus there were still many problems with the surgery.

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

I did not have any problem getting approval. I did check before I got the insurance if the surgery would be covered. That was the most important thing to me.

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

I was prepared for the visit and I was ready for the surgery. I was not ready for the "jumping through the hoops" I had to do before the surgery. I had to have a sleep study, a psch exam, and pulmunary fuction test and a cardo exam. This all took time, and I wanted the surgery NOW.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was starting to lose my mobilty. I could not walk as far, I could not ridea bike, I could not fit into chairs with arms, I could not go on rides with my kids, I could not go horse back riding, I could not dance, I could not..... the list went on and on. These are things I loved to do. I knew I could go on a diet, but I also knew the weight would not stay gone. I wish there was a magic pill instead of surgery, but at this point there is not one.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have my proceedure done at the BTC. That is all they do, and I wanted the best. They are prepared for the large person to come into the buildings. RNY is the proceedure that they did there.

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 did not have many fears of dying. I have had surgeries before with no problems. I was not too worried. I tried not to think about 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?

My family was thrilled. I only told 2 friends. They are very supportive.

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

I took the year off. So, I was not working.

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

I was ok....as far as hospital stays go. I was there for 4 days. I liked having my own night gown, pillows, and shampoo/conditioner

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

I had a couple abcesses....they were opened and draned. A year later, I discovered a very large herrina. I have not had it repaired, yet. I want to wait until I am done having babies, and when I have my tummy tuck

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

It really hurt the 1st week, but each day got better and better. By the end of the 2nd week I was able to do some swimming and driving. By the end of the 4th week, I felt as good as new.

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

That you can't eat very much....and if you get some thing down, it might come back up. You are going to feel tired at first, but as time goes by you get a big boost of energy.

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

2 hours 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 on liquid diet for several weeks, then soft foods. I slowly entered the "real world" of food. I kept to high protien, low fat, and no sugar.....I wish I still could do that

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

Each day I got more and more energy. By week four...I was in full action. By 6 months, I was taking dance classes

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

I take folic acid, prenatal, zinc, and a hair, skin and nail vit.

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?

My hair has not returned to normal. I used to have long thick hair. It is now....normalish. alittle on the thin side. I don't dump....I wish I did. I don't have to wear my c-pap any more.

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

that I didn't do it sooner. I wish I could have it done again to lose another 100#. That would put me at 180#. I would live with that. Even at 280#...I am able to live a normal life

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

I don't have much support. I live 2 hours away from the hospital where I had my surgery. I feel I would do better if I was able to talk/and see my support group on a weekly basis.

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

I have an extremely long scar. It starts just below my bra line and end under my belly button. I thougt it was going to be smaller, but it is not a problem

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a major plateau at 12 months and it contiues until today. I have not lost any weight that I have not gain right back.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really. Some times I feel like they are looking at what I eat, but on the most part....no