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

I had heard of the surgery years ago but never thought I would have it. I enjoyed eating too much. But I never thought I would have back problems so severe as a result of a car accident that I would feel I had no choice.

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

I had a pretty easy time of it. I was approved the first time around. My advice is to get in touch with your insurance carrier and find out what the criteria for approval is right off. An then follow it so that there is no question.

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

My first visit was very involved. I had a class, met with the social worker, dietician, nurse, and Dr all in one day. I took notes. So did my husband. Definately take notes. So you can refer back to them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when all else failed in relieving my back pain. My Dr bluntly told me my body was crushing itself. There was NO way to get better without weightloss. I was never going to be able to interact fully with my child again unless I did something drastic.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the quickest route. RNY.

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 fear not making it through the surgery. The only thing I could do was prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I created a living will and got my affairs in order. Just in case. I hugged and kissed my family before going into the OR

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 up front that I had made my decision and did not want to hear any criticism about something that had taken me so long to come to terms with on my own. Overall everyone was very respectful of the decision I made.

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 a blur. I didn't even stay a full 24 hrs. I just wanted to go home and get some peace and quiet so I could recover.

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

The only complications so far have been some minorly infected wounds, and having a problem swallowing anything thicker then Instant Breakfast. But am working on it Still only 4 weeks out.

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 felt relieved. I felt excited. I felt anxious. Scared. I coped by talking about it a lot with my husband and best friend. They were wonderful in helping to reassure me I made the right decision for me. And that everything would turn out as it should.

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

The first few weeks are hard. It is a new way of life. I was in pain, and tired a lot. I am only now just starting to get some energy back. The smallest thing can wipe you out. The hardest part is getting all the fluid in that you need to, get your supplements in and trying to gage your protein intake.

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

My hospital and Dr are less then 5 miles away. For me this makes it easier in case of any problems. For me is a sense of security.

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 can NOT eat any bread. I found that out very quickly. I am still struggling with other food right now. I mostly have protein shakes, Stallone protein pudding, and blended soups. I know it will get better.

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

About a month out and slowly getting energy back. What has helped me is physical therapy. Abdominal strengthening. I go 3 times a week.

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

I take 2 Flintstones with Iron a day. I take a sugar free Viactiv, and previcid 2 times a day.

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 a bit of vomiting when I push my diet. Starting to have a bit of hair loss but not too much at the moment. I know it will get worse before it gets better.

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

The waiting. The unknown.

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

My support was and is my husband. I also have a support group I attend 2 times a month. This online group, and my friends are also there for me.

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

It is the typical 5 scars. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Was not expecting all the brusing though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

For most part people are either surprised or proud. Have only had one instance where someone gave me a dirty look. But I chalk it up to THEIR ignorance. They don't know me or what I have gone though.