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

Seminar I saw on televison

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

Do everything they tell you to do. Check your criteria first before you get into anything. Make sure your insurance will cover all of the test first.

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

I went to see several surgeons. The facility I wanted to go to was packed and I was tired of waiting. The second surgeon I consulted with had an attitude problem and I fired him immediately. The third doctor was so kind and didn't make me feel guilty for wanting to have the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To save my life. My youngest brother died of a heart attack at age 44 without warning. They called it, "sudden death" and he was gone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The most effective which is 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?

Well, I'm having those fears now as we speak, but I'm at risk everyday anyway of dying, right?

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 tried to talk me out of it, but since none of them are the size I am, how could they possibly understand? I haven't had surgery yet, but I try not to keep my family in the dark. I just want their support when I need it.

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

That's yet to happen.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes, informative.

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

Awful!! Too much pain. My stay was for 5 days. Family!!!

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

Yes, severe dehydration. Had to drink more fluids.

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 excited. No anxiety, just happy.

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

Well, I had an open incision and it was rough. Make sure someone is home with you.

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

I'm in K.C., so I didn't have to travel.

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 was on liquids for a week after and then 1 oz. at time. I hated the smell of food and water was nasty. It took months and then I could tolerate food. Once I was able to eat, I didn't have any problems.

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

I could only walk for about 5 mins. the first few weeks, but gradually went up to 45 60 mins. 5 times a week.

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

Super B complex. They work great for me!

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 still have dumping. Slept well and no vomiting. Depends if I eat too fast or too much and then I would dump. You must adjust to your body. It will tell you. Trial and error I'm afraid.

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

Learning to eat healthy and in small amounts.

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

I still visit my surgeon for check-ups and labs.

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

I have a long scar and yes I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm currently plateauing now. It's awful.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I get a lot of attention even more so now.