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

I worked with 2 women who had the surgery done. I saw their progress and how it effected all aspects of their lives, they were more confident, healthier, and the happiness just glowed from their faces.

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

As of today, 1-12-01, I have not applied for approval. I was assured by the doctors office that there should be no problems. My surgeon's office faxed letter to Aetna for approval on 1-16-01.I called my surgeon on a daily basis, and my approval was granted on 1-22-01.All I can say is don't sit back and expect that they are working on the case.My paperwork could have been approved on the same day, but the paper was just lying on someone's desk....let your surgeon's office know that they need to be persistant with Aetna and the approval will be granted.

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

My first impression was that he has a very good bedside manner, and he tells it like it is. I'm very confident that I have selected a good surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw the success my friends experienced, researched extensively on the internet...I think I've gone into every web site!!....and I knew this was something I had to do in order to improve my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have more than 100lbs. to lose to be close to my normal weight. In order to do that, I would need the RNY bypass. The surgeon also said that he felt that was the best procedure for me to have.

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?

As with any surgery, you can have complications. I have strong faith and believe that when the good Lord calls me home......it won't matter where I am at that moment.....could be the car, in bed, in surgery, etc. Put your faith in him....he won't do you wrong.

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 totally against it! They loved me for who I was which I'm grateful for, but after explaining to them my reasons for wanting the surgery....they seemed to come around.....There's too many things to inherit like diabetes, hypertention,heart disease,veinal insufficiancy. I'm headed in that direction according to my Dr.

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

My supervisor didn't think that I should have the surgery because as he put it, I wasn't "that big". Now after having the surgery, they see the difference it has made in my life, my attitude, and my appearance and not a day goes by that someone doesn't say "You look great!".

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

My stay in the hospital was o.k. as far as hospitals go. You know you never get much sleep because they are always waking you up for one reason or the other. The staff was very nice and for the most part attentive, but I think they learned more from me about the surgery than they had already known. They should have been trained a little better.

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

About 2 wks post op I began with shortness of breath.The pain med's that they gave me in the hospital did not work as effectively as they should which caused me to take shallow breaths. In other words, I started to develope pneumonia. I was taken to the er by ambulance where they did a lung scan and I was discharged with antibiotics. This was the only complication. I was a smoker prior to surgery.

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 toughest part post op was learning to eat at a slower pace and not to drink during eating. The only problem I had was that I would find myself with "head hunger", but I certainly wasnt' hungry.My energy seemed to come back into swing around 6 wks post op and all the soreness was gone.

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

In the first few weeks, you will be tired. When your body tells you to sleep...you should sleep. Rest is the best medicine. Try not to over do. Take your vitamins and suppliments. A liquid pain medication works best. I recommend Liquid Roxicette which is only obtained by perscription. You won't be very hungry, in fact I had to MAKE myself eat because I knew I needed my protien in order to heal correctly.

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

My hospital is only a half hour away so I didn't have far to go. My doctor is also located in the building next to the hospital.

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.

Right after surgery, yogert was my favorite food. And I think I ate that for the first 6 wks. I tried to eat pureed tuna, but NO WAY would that go down. Just putting it in my mouth made me gag. My tastes for food were changing. Around 8 wks post op I had a glass of milk which 10 min later sent me running to the bathroom with severe stomach cramps and diarea.Prior to those 8 wks I was able to drink it, but have now chosen not to. That is the only problems I've had with foods.

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

My doctor doesn't have any support group. I have relied souly on this web site and my friends for support

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

My scar is about 6-7 inches long and maybe 1/8th of an inch long. It is slightly raised. I have healed really well. It is still redish looking, but in time that will fade. And the scar doesn't bother me, I'm glad I had it done!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau about 2 wks post op. It lasted about 2 wks. Then I lost for about another 2 wks. Then again I hit a plateau. My advice would be to increase your water intake during those platueaus...it really helps.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It's not so much that they are treating me differently...they tell me how good I'm looking..compliments are wonderful things!