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

As a nurse, I had known about lap banding and Rou-En-Y, and neither one seemed to fit my needs. A coworker had the sleeve gastrectomy, and then another, and another. I saw the results and was very impressed. After much research on the internet while trying to decide between lap band and sleeve, I knew the sleeve surgery was the way to go for me!

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

Luckily, the insurance I have as a nurse is locally based and is very invested in all hospital based procedures. There wasn't much of an issue for me, but for others, I know this has been an issue

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

I already knew the surgeon, so I was lucky. For those who don't, start keeping a running list of all of the questions you have. DON'T be afraid to ask. It's your body and your health, be responsible for it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of paying for meds to keep me in line-diabetes, mainly...and tired of looking and feeling like I did!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Pure research and asking persons who I knew had it done

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 think these fears are natural. I would say that "a surgeo and/or anesthesiologist will not risk their reputation or license to practice on someone that they even have an inkling will not survive surgery or its outcome. Your fears are normal, but just remember that the medical team has your best interest at heart."

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 friends were very supportive, they've seen me fight my weight for ages and knew that I'd had it. My family (husband and sons) were all very supportive as well. My mom and sister on the other hand were not as much so. My sister has come around and calls 2 times a week to check on my progress (I'm 11 days out as I type this). My mom has yet to call and check or even send an email. I don't know what I' do different

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

I was out of work for 2.5 weeks, and my boss was mostly supportive, although a shortage of nursing staff is always hard on the team

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

My stay was wonderful. The nurses checked frequently to see if I had any pain issues, questions, concerns, etc. I was only there overnight. I only brought my CPAP machine, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and lotion

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

no complications as of yet

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, but also didn't have much time to think about it as I only had about 10 days to ponder it.

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

Reteaching yourself to eat properly, relax and let your body adjust. The most important to do is walk to prevent blood clots and pneumonia

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

20 miles

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.

days 1-3 clear liquids only, next 3 weeks soft mushy foods, full liquids, protein 50-70 oz and fluids 64-75 oz After 3 weeks of soft and mushy foods, begin to reintroduce "regular foods". Try mostly fresh fruits and veggies. This is where you need to try to leave the bad habits behind,

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

walking only, and at 4-6 wks begin to add more strenuous exercise as tolerated

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

a daily multivitamin and calcium, as well as protein supplements

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?

Not really had any ill effects yet, at 11 days out. But I have noticed decreased appetite

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

having to retrain my mind towards food. It's still a daily battle, but I feel like I can win it with tool of surgery.

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

We have a support group associated with the hospital and surgeon that attended my surgery. We meet the 3rd Monday of each month, and I think it will be very helpful.

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

so far small, laparascopic incisions as I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 25 lbs in about 6 days, and not any since

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no, not yet