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

A lady I work with had the surgery three years ago. I kept telling myself, not me.... I can do it on my own. I was happy for her, but didnt think the surgery was the answer for me. I checked into weight watchers, and didnt loose any weight. I tried meds, and didn't loose weight. My Dr and I finally decided this would be the best choice for me.

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

The company I work for is "self-insured". I have Cigna insurance, and I have heard horror stories about them approving surgery. I called my local HR rep and discussed my situation with her. She helped me a great deal. I did all of my pre-testing, and kept copies. I forwarded my DR notes and all of the testing results along with a 6 page letter to my benefits director at the corp office explaining in detail why I needed to have this surgery. They reviewed my file and I was approved in 4 weeks.

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

I watched a video, and was checked over. The surgeon came in and explained everything to me again, and told me what surgery would be best for me. It was a great time for Q & A. Write down any questions you may have and ask the surgeon at this time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was unable to loose weight any other way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon and I talked about the proceedures that are offered, and after he reviewed my medical history he asked me what surgery I was leaning toward. My insurance only approved the RNY, but that is the surgery we both felt would be most beneficial 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 a lot of fears. This was the first surgery I had ever had. I was scared about waking up with a tube in my mouth, and was scared about the pain I woudl be in. (I have no pain tolerance) This was all really easy, and on a scale of 1-10 it was only about a 2. AND I didnt wake up with the tube. The worst thing was the bed after 2 nights ....

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?

They ahve all been really supportive. Nope. They have all been very supportive through out the whole thing.

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

They were all very supportive and heloful. I told the truth to my supervisors, and didnt want to have any opf my co-workers talk me out of it, so told them different. I was out 2 weeks and 3 days.

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

The staff was great. I slept when I could. Make sure you take clean clothes, and for some reason women tend to get their menstrual cycle during this time. Be prepared for it, even if you aren't due!!

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

No.

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 happy, and scared to death. I kept busy, and talked about it. I have been attending support group meetings since January, adn that helped a lot.

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

I was tired, but not sleepy. Taking a shower was very tiring. I was feeling more "normal" the second week.

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

Less than 15 miles

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

I walked a little the night after my surgery. Every day after, I walked as much as I could. I got tired easy for the first week after surgery. The second week, I was cleaning house, and walking every day.

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

Flintstones chewables - caltrate - viactive - b complex - protien drinks -

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 havent had any.

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

The pureed foods - there wasnt a whole lot of things I could eat. Oh, and the drain.....

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

I have 6 incisions. The smalled one is about 1/4 inch's long and the largest one is a little over an inch.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at one now, but I am still loosing about 2 pounds a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel better about myself, so I think they are reacting to the way I feel about myself.