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

My Endocrinologist recommended I talk to the surgeon. It seemed like the only answer for me. I would be dead if I didn't have the surgery.

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

No problems.

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

It was a very long visit. Dr. Spaulding was very thorough as was the Psychiatrist, nutritionist and the rest of the staff. Everything was coved in detail. It was a bit overwhelming though.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was my last chance. I was 463 lbs at 33 years old. I would not live to see 35...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the only one offered Open 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?

I figured I was gonna die soon anyway so figured I would chance that I would die on the table. I tell people that the fear is normal.

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 were my co workers. I did not tell my mother til about a week before surgery. Everyone has been wonderful.

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

See #9. My manager supported me 100%. I was out for 6 weeks.

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

I was in 6 days. Bring chapstick. No need for night gowns, just wear the johnnies. Also bring the usual stuff and don't forget money for the TV.

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?

The first week I wondered what I got myself into. As the pain subsided, the fears did and my energy level increased.

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

Plan ahead, I had to think ahead about going to the bathroom since it took a while to get up and sit down.

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

5 miles, no problems. I am very lucky to live so close.

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.

Today I eat "normal". I followed the nutritionists instructions and then once I was on solid foods I slowly introduced new foods. I do not eat bread, starches or sugars now. I am lactose intolerant but hey, I can live with it.

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

FIrst week was mostly bed rest. I started walking after the 3rd week and now I exercise daily for 50 minutes at a gym.

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

I take multi vite, c, b-12, calcium, E, iron, potassium

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 had vomiting if I ate too fast or something too bulky. I had to learn to slow down.

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

The pain the first 3 weeks.

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

monthly support groups. It is important for me to remember where I came from and reach out to others so I can help myself.

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

it is up the center from my navel to my chest. It is exactly what I was told.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau around 244 lbs then got pregnant, had a post op baby, healthy and normal, then relapsed and regained a total of 64 lbs. I then got back on the ball and lost that extra plus more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am no longer stared at or told I am fat. I am treated as a normal person now. I am no longer the biggest in the room