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

I have a friend that I havent seen in a few years, she had WLS and so my reasearch began, I was very interested in knowing anything and everything about it.

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

DON'T EVER GIVE UP! that would be my best advice. make sure you have everything that the insurance co asks for. I never got denied I was approved within 3 days of my Dr. submitting my information, but prior to that I had a different insurance, which had WLS surgery as a exclusion and really had a battle on my hands, I was very lucky to have changed insurance companies, so I had no problem once I had different insurance.

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

My first visit I was so nervous, but found I really had no reason to be nervous. I have a great surgeon who gives 150% to you. Go in with plenty of questions, and make sure you have a surgeon that is willing to take the time to answere all your questions, most important, have complete confidence in your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing others that have been successful and reasearch, The main reason for my decsision was because I wanted to be healthy and live!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had planned on the LAB Band then decided that RNY would be the better surgery for me because going in for fills/un fills was not for me. RNY was my surgery of choice.

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 didn't have any fears at all, I went in confident and came out just fine. I thought I would be fearful but it turned out just the opisite for me.

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?

Everyone was very supportive. I have been very lucky.

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

I'm not employeed.

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

I had great care, everyone was really nice, I stayed 2 1/2 days.

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

None what so ever.

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 started getiing really anxious and nervous about 3 weeks prior to surgery. The anxiousness lasted about a day and then it was over. I actually got sick thinking about it. I was so happy that the brief moment of anxiousness went away.

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

I have been so lucky, I have had no problems and so far everything is going really well for me. I did have a little trouble getting in the protein, but since have got that worked out and found something that works for me.

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

My Dr. is only about 45 minutes away, there are others that are closer to me, but I picked the best of the best! (I think)

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.

Gosh! The hardest for me thus far to toloerate has been eggs. and chicken, I have tried pasta and it dosen't work for me either, basically I just stay away from those things. I'm not so much crazy about meat any more, love sea food Shirmp it awesome. This far I find that fruits and vegtables really are what satsifys me the most. I have not yet had a "dumping" episode so I feel lucky in that respect. But I have had what they call "Foamies" yeah not fun but I get through it. You have to remember to eat the right amount and not go over that, and eat often 6 6 times a day small amounts. I never feel hungry, unless I get so busy and don't give myself time to eat. Everything so far is going well!

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

I progressed weekly, short walks in a total of 60 minutes a day, I purchased a treadmill and a leg machine in which I now excersise over 90 minutes a day. Prior to surgery my excerisise was pretty much non existant.

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

I take biotion, Multi vitamin, B complex, vitamin D once a week, 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 have not had any of these side effects, I've been really lucky with that.

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

Pre op prep! Not fun word of adivce STAY CLOSE TO HOME!

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

I have a monthly support group that I attend. I haighly reccomend finding a good support group.

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

They are almost gone, that was the least of my worries.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

These are foresure a downer. I have had two so far and it seems like weeks without any weight loss, I got discourged for a short time but now I fully understand and now am able to get through them without thinking I have done something wrong. It's just part of it. The scale will move again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! YES! YES!