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

I had a coworker who had the surgery and I was totally impressed with the change in her! She looked and felt wonderful. I knew that it was something I wanted to look into for myself!

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

My insurance company was awesome! I have Aetna and heard all kinds of bad things about them and I was scared. My husband was losing his job after 15 years and I called my surgeon's office and told them how upset I was. They asked when his last day was and I said October 6 and they got me into the very next class I had to take and sceduled my surgery for September 25. My packet was sent to Aetna on Wednesday the 20th and I was approved on Friday afternoon.

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

I enjoyed meeting my surgeon. He made me feel as though I was the most important person in the world. Ask questions, lots of questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am only 28 years old and I was on 2 blood pressure medicines. My maternal grandmother was 52 when she died of a heart attack and she was obese. My mother just turned 50 and has a heart murmur. So for me it was strictly for my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I needed to have the RNY because I needed something strict. I needed to know that if I messed up then I would regret it. And it works!

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 terrified. I wrote letters to my family and asked them to take care of my children. I worried so bad about not being there for my babies. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew I could just as easily die from being morbidly obese. You just have to follow your heart and it will lead you the right way.

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 were so supportive! At first my husband was a little apprehensive. He didn't want anything to happen to me. But, for the most part they were so sweet and understanding. I shout it from the rooftops that I had this surgery!

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

I told my boss after I went to my first seminar. She said that I didn't look like I needed to have the surgery. I think she was worried it would affect my job. After a lot of consideration I did decide to quit after surgery. It had nothing to do with the surgery...I just wanted to be home with my kids.

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

I went into the hospital on Monday morning and came home Thurday afternoon. My stay was okay from what I can remember. My husband was with me the whole time and I don't even remember. Bring chapstick!! My lips were sooo dry!

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?

Oh my gosh...I was so excited when the surgeon's office called and said I was approved! The night before surgery I cried. I wrote letters to all 3 of my children and to my husband. I was scared to death. My husband and I talked for hours that Sunday night. I got up Monday morning and said "let's go." I knew I would back out if I could. I was so nervous. But, now, I'd do it again in a minute!

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

The first 2 weeks were horrible for me. I have a 7, 2, and 1 year old and I could not do anything for them. I could barely do anything for myself. My pain was so bad. I am a wimp when it comes to pain! Take all of the help you can get from anyone who will give it! Don't be afraid to ask for help.

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

Only 20 minutes.

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 am only nine weeks out but I cannot have dairy anymore. my surgeon said that it could only be temporary, I hope he is right. I cannot have eggs, they make me sick. And rice hurts...bad.

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

I have done so much more in any given day. I walk a lot and instead of watching my kids play, I actually play with them.

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

I take flintstone vitamins and calcium.

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 vomit if I eat too fast and have diareah if I have dairy. I am 9 weeks out and it seems as though my hair is starting to fall out. I am just trying to get more protein in.

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

The pain afterwards.

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

We have support group at my surgeon's office. I have not been but I need to go. I want to meet people who have been where I am and compare notes.

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

It is Very smaill. My surgery was done laproscopically.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of now. 58 ponds in 9 weeks is where I am now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! People don't look at you like there is something wrong with you. You don't get ugly looks and hear the little snickers when you can't fit in a booth. It is awesome!