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

Watching TV years ago and seeing Carnie Wilson on a show.

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

My approval was sent on the first day of submission!!! Thanks god I ahd no problem getting approved.

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

Excellent. Be prepared with questions when you see your surgeon. Have them written down. Attend the instructional and support group meeting prior to seeing him as well. Get your questions answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After seeing someone that I knew who had the surgery and I did not know they had it done. When I bumped into them, I did not rexognize them and tne "Wow" factor to over!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was easy. I wanted the best results. RNY-LAP

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?

No fears about death or complications. Having a top surgeon removes all those fears. You learn a great deal about your surgeon from his other patients while attending meetings. I just wanted to know that I was done laproscopically.

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?

Excellent!

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

No problem. I took 2 weeks off but if I had to go back today, 8 days out, I could no problem. Today I get my drain taken out.

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

I was in the hospital from Monday ad 11am until Wed. around 5:30 when I got to see my doc. My stay was excelent and I had alot of fun walking around with the other bariatric patients.

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

None.

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

Only 1 week out. I lost 28 lbs this week and can not believe my resluts. I am now on foods like eggs, tuna fish etc. I fell great and still enjoy cooking and it does not bother me at all. I am never hungry.

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

The frist week (I am only 1 week out) just rest and walk. Make sure to get your water and vitamins in. and of course your meals. Enjoy the beginning of your new life.

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

1 mile....lucky me!!

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.

Again, 1 week out, I am now eating scrambled eggs, farina, tuna fish yogurts etc. I look forward to getting all the foods back!!

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

Good

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

2 flintstones or equivalent (CVS) / day, 2-3 Tums 750mg. I do want to get some sublingual B12.

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 only disturbance I had was sleep which lasted I think 6 days post op.

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

Dry mouth and sore throat!

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

Support group meets o the 3rd thursday of each month. It is VITAL to your success. It is great to be there to here the stories and wins that people are attaining with WLS.

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

5 holes, no big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Only 1 week out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

With surprise!!