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

A friend of mine had RNY 3 years before me. Before her surgery I was uneducated and thought it was too drastic and then I got educated and felt that the risk were less than the complications and health challenges of long term obesity.

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

I was denied by my husbands insurance and then I got a job just for insurance and was then denied by my own isurance. Both companies were self-funded insurance plans and the employers had excluded EVERYTHINg weight loss related no matter if it was deemed medically necessary or not. We even went to my husbands employer and appealled to them asking for them to make an exception but they denied the request. It was very embarrassing and humbling to appeal to the employer directly.

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

I met with a local surgeon and it was informative and confirmed my decision to move forward, however, I was then denied coverage. I waited nearly 3 years - trying to lose the weight on my own- and then ultimately went to Mexico and met my surgeon the day of surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that my past weight loss track record was an indicator of my future and if I wanted different results I was going to have to do something very different. I wanted my health to go with the many blessings I already had in my life. Also, my mother was finally going to have RNY surgery after a lifetime of battling her weight but one month before her surgery date she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal cancer - related to Reflux. I knew that the weight was always a road block in her life and I didnt want the same for mine.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY offered the greatest success and behavior modification. It is also what my friend had and I gathered my info from her experience.

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 put my hope in faith in God that he would protect me. My fears of complications were mostly centered around the financial impact it could have on my family since I was going to be a self-pay. I decided that I could not let fear rule me and then I stepped out in faith.... i had done my homework!

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?

The biggest concerns were related to my going out of the country but they all trusted that I had done my research and that I was not going to put myself in a dangerous situation. I was bathed in prayer and loving support.

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

I didn't tell them what type of surgery I was having, I don't work in an office where I see people every day so it was easy to keep it to myself. I was off of work for 11 days.

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

The hospital was very clean. The nurses spoke little english but the doctors and his assistants all spoke perfect english. The doctor has all RNY patients in the hospital 4 nights and a total of 10 days in Mexico for recovery. It was the most relaxing and restorative post-op experience... minus the food!

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

I did not experience any complications at the time of surgery. About 7 weeks post op I was experiencing problems with keeping food down so I had an endoscopy and founnd the opening had narrowed from scar tissue so the dr. dialated it and I immediately felt better. I go back in 2 weeks to have it rechecked and possibly redialated.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Elated! I did research, research, research and then just prepared for my trip and my new life.

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

I felt great the first 10 days... bursting with energy from day 5 to 10 then I hit a wall. I was in very little pain mostly just adjusting to the liquid diet and meeting my protein needs and fluid needs... it is a job! Biggest challenge has been fatigue.

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

From Indiana to Puerta Vaerrta, Mexico. I established my after care team at home before I left.

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

I purchased the Bariatric Advantage vitamis and I take a monthly b12 injection.

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?

Foamies, vomiting due to a stricture. After it was dialated I was much better. Drinking protein still makes my stomach turn. I'd rather not eat or drink but I know that I must. I have NO desire to eat!

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

Liquid Diet - both pre-op and then for 3 weeks postop.

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

I'm still trying to get to a support group... I went to one before surgery but they only welcome people that had surgery with their doctors. I'm joining an open support group on May 14th. I go to youtube and OH regularly for encouragement and ideas.

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

Laproscopic. small incision points.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateau's in the first 8 weeks where I will go all week and not lose a pound and then a few more fall off. I think it is because I was not eating or drinking enough. Ive lost 45 pounds in 8 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Lot's of compliments!