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

I don't remember how I heard about surgery but I know that I was scared. So very scared. I had to reschedule my surgery becaused I chickened out

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

I didn't have much of a probblem

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

My first meetingh with Dr. Andrei was scarey. He was very informative and kind. I would go in with all the questions that you can think of and then go home and think if this procedure is for you. I would write down the rest of the questions that now come up[p and go back for more answers. You must be sure that this is what you want. It is life changing in every way

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sitting on the beach and the rest of my family went for a walk. Walking on the beach well that was impossible. I prayed and had an ephiphany. G-d is good and he would take care of me if I took care of myself. I never second guessed myself again

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The band would not be enough for me so when the Doctor said I should have the RNY< 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?

Lifeis a risk. I was going to die the way I was going so I had to give it a try. It was not an easy decision. I wrote each member of my family a letter to be given to them in the event I did not make it. I am so grateful that I did live to talk about it. I told everyone that I was having it. Accountability. I am so glad that Dr. Andrei did his magic and then passed the wand to me. If I practiced the magic would appear and if I didn't the show would be a failure. I opted for a great show

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 was very supportive as he saw that the road I was on would kill me sooner than later. My son who isd an attorney was against it. He analyzes everything to the fullest and was scared that I would dye or worse not do what I should after the surgery. I always lied to myself

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

I stayed out for 6 weeks because I was scared not to. My boss was supportive and kind

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

Going to these seminars is very important. It makes you realize that you are not alone and that there are people who truly understand wht you are going through. I constantly talk about it(probably too muchm if you ask my friends) but that is what keeps me on target

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 3 nights. The doctor would have sent me home a day earlier but I was scared and beggedhim to keep me an extra day. My husband took off the rest of the week so that I wouldn't be alone. Bring a robe, slippers, cell phone, and a comfortable outfit to go home in. Of course bring your personnel items espoecially lip gloss

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

Unfortuneately I had quite a few problems. In the first 6 months I was hospitalized 5 times. Some items were minor and some were delicate. I had gall bladder surgery, colitis, dehydration twice and a few other small issues. The first time I was petrified but I knw I would be all right. That day on the beach told me so

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 nuts. I drove everyone nuts. It wasnt until 6 weeks before did I chill out and felt that I would be okay. I really thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I cried canuse I was so scared of dying and having horrible complications. Your mind just runs away with all the negative thing that couyld happen but usually don't.

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

I was sore at the beginning but I really healed well. I felt ggood and became very excited.

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

The hospital was about 40 minutes away from my home. It was not big deal to go there for aftercare

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

I didn't have an activity level. I worked, cooked and sat infront of the tv every day.

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

Many vitamins and meds. I took b, iron, zinc,vitaminD,A,multi, caltrate and meds for my sugar, high blood pressure and cholesterol

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 get nauseaus once in a while if I eat too fast or too much. I haven't slept well since the surgery. I started to loose my hair. I always had a huge head of hair and it was falling out and became very thin. I cut my hair to a new style and have learned to live with it. I am now 11 months out andit is starting to grow back very slowly

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

The fear that I experienced before the surgery. People telling you that you chose the easy way out. They have no idea!

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

I attend support groups run by my surgeons office. My family is my major support group and some good friends. They rallied around me and are always there

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

I have three small marks on my stomach. I never wore a bikini befor and do not plan to wear one now. LOL

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every so often Istayed the same wight for a few weeks. It is disturbing but you soon learn that when your body is ready the weight will continue to come off. I have been on a plateau now for about four months. I have lost 120 pounds and it goes up a pound or two and then I loose two or three. The last 25 are just harder to loose.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel that people are now looking at me because I look good. I have gained self respect and it shows in the way people treat me. I sometime wonder if it is just in my head. I look good and I feel great so it must show.