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

My dad told me about it. At first I REALLY didn't want to do something that drastic.

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

Bug the Insurance company. My company lost the paperwork, and I went round and round with them for over a year before I finally got approval. I was not pleased with them.

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

It was part of a large group. He has all of his patients go to a seminar (free) that he or one of the Dr.'s in his group leads. You can ask all the questions you like there. Come ready with question, and don't be afraid to ask. There are other people there wondering the same thing.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went to my PCP, and was told I have Fatty Liver, and my weight going at the rate I was I would probably have a heart attack by the time I was 35. I know women aren't as likely to survive there first heart attack. It had to change

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I was looking, the band still had a bad reputation. I had selected the RNY, and my doc only performed that Open, so that's what I did.

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 worried about dying, I even wrote letters to my family. I was also afraid of all of the complications. The complications from MO are greater though.

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 was behing me during the surgery. My sister kept saying "You could die" She just couldn't get past that. My sister and I are very close, so I can understand her concern. My friends were wonderful. My best friend didn't exactly agree with my decision, but she was there for me. My sister was the most supportive after the surgery. She helped me so much

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

My Manager asked questions, and was genuinely interested in me. I told her flat out (I'm not good at beating around the bush). I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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 for 4 days. The most important thing I brought was my robe. Big, and warm. My stay was excellent. The staff was very helpful, and friendly. The entire ward was built for the MO

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?

I was nervous. I tried to concentrate on other things. The day of the surgery, they gave me a valium (wonderful stuff)

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

I was in pain. I had been split wide open, and it hurt. Expect to not get all of your water in. It's tough. Expect to sleep a lot!

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

about 15 miles. Downtown from the Suburbs of St. Louis

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 became lactose intolerant for about 2 months. I had to use a calcium supplement. I can drink milk now, but Beef is still a major no no. It make my belly hurt. My tolerance to food is very good. Pasta though makes me feel really full really quickly.

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

Very little. I tried to walk as much as I could, but I would end up back in the recliner asleep. It got better after awhile.

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

Childrens Chewables (Yuck!) I have since been cleared for pills. I double up because of the absorbtion issue. 2 One a days, Vit E, Biotin, B12 sublingual, 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?

Vomitting, but just a couple of times. Cope? Eat slower.

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

The pain right afterwards. But, it passes

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

I have the Online support groups, and they have been really helpful

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

It's still kind of a red purple color. Yes, it was expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was stuck at 70lbs for about 1 1/2 weeks. I upped my exercise, and water, and it finally broke

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, I'm still pretty big