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

I've heard about it for along time, but was always afraid of long term consequences that couldn't be reversed. I though, WOW! That is really radical. Now I see it differently. My children need a mother who can be in their life, not a woman who sits on the sidelines.

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

I was one of the lucky few. My company is self-insured and approved the surgery with a letter from my doctor stating that I am morbidly obese and have tried a medically supervised program that included medication.

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

He was very patient and answered all of my questions completely.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have decided to have surgery because I know that I will just continue on like the rest of the women in my family and get heavier ad sicker and less able to be in the world as the days go on. I'm 30 years old. I want to enjoy life now and not wait until it is mostly over.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Hand assisted laproscopic 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?

Right now I am pre-op and have fears of complications and side effects that are not yet known to me. I have to believe that it is worth the risk to have a shot at a healthy normal life.

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 husband and Grandmother are infinitely supportive of this decision. My dad has been great too. Brother is a little worried about whether I made the right decision.

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

The stay in the hospital was pretty mellow. I was alone and out of town for most of it. I was there for 3 days. One of my nurses has had the surgery with the same surgeon and that was 2 years ago. I found it extremely comforting to have someone there who really understood what I was going through and who could offer practical advice. I found the hospital provided pretty well for me. You might want a bathrobe, though for when you walk around after the surgery.

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

So far I have been blessed with no complications.

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 am almost 2 weeks out now. I feel okay, but the JP Drain is still in and it is uncomfortable. I'm getting it out tonight and can't wait! I am having a hard time eating. I am supposed to eat 6 times daily, but have a hard time forcing the food down. I usually have a protein shake for breakfast and can't eat again until lunch.

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

I had surgery Thursday, got out and came home Sunday and worked for 2 hours on Monday. I took Tuesday off and worked 4-6 hours the other days of that week. Went back to work full time the next Monday, but I have an office job. There have been periods of pain and discomfort, but nothing extreme.

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

I drove about 8 hours.

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.

So far I can only eat pureed foods. It is amazing the things otherwise sane people will try to put in a blneder!

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

I am walking around doing normal things, but I am not ready to start exercising yet. I will start by using the treadmill, then the bike, then when my body is ready, I will do aerobics and weights.

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

I take two Flintstones Complete everyday and I have a protein shake everyday.

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?

So far, the only side effect I have experienced was a heavy, full uncomfortable feeling when I took one bite too many. Nothing to do but lay down and call myself names like dummy, etc. until it passed.

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

The worst parts were the mental games I went through prior to the surgery and the post op pain, and the inconsiderate peope who did the swallow test after surgery.

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

none

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

I had hand-assissted lap rny, so I have 5 small scars. I figure, what the hell. It' s not like I am ever interested in wearing a bikini in my life, so why worry? It's almost decorative!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

NOne

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nope, I didn't tell many just my side of the family.