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

through the internet, it seemed very scary to me!

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

getting insurance approval for me was very difficult. There are many tests and clearances you need to go through before you can even get approval. It took me over a year between consultation and surgery. If you really want to do it, FIGHT!!!

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

My surgeon was fantastic! Make sure you weigh all of your options, ask LOTS of questions(no question is too stupid), go to a local support group and talk to people who have used this surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was failing, and I was so unhappy with myself and my appearance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Originally I wanted to do lap band, but the surgeon said to me that she thought that RNY would be better for me since I had so much weight to lose.

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?

OMG! I was scared about everything! I was more scared of not doing the surgery and dying at a young age from obesity. Everyone feels fear when faced with this surgery and new lifestyle. It is not the end of your life, it is the beginning.

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?

They were very supportive, especially my husband. Even at my heaviest, he still loved me no matter what. He just wanted me to be healthy and happy.

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

They were also very supportive. They were very happy!!

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

It was very scary. Like reality was setting in that I was really gonna do this! I am so glad that I attended because I found out that for me that the RNY was the way to go!

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

The staff was wonderful!! Very supportive and made me work!! But that is a good thing! I was there for about three days. Bring sneakers and socks to walk, a robe, sanitary napkins or tampons, something to do, i pod, reading, although the first day you will want to sleep!! LOL!

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

No complications at all! It was easier than having my daughter by C Section

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 tried putting it out of my mind, and if it came to mind I would remind myself that I was doing this for my health. I also had a therapist to talk to as well, which really helped!!

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

very tired, some pain, feelings of "What the hell did I do?" will come into your head!! Lots of emotional ups and downs!

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

about 15 minutes from home

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.

the first month or so could not drink milk or anything with aspartame, after the 6 week period I was able to eat just about anything!!

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

slow but increasing every day

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

multi vitamin, Vit B1, B12, iron, calcium,

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?

NA

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

The waiting for approval from the insurance company!!

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

Support group at Barix Clinic is the BEST! I have gone to just about every meeting. It is SO helpful!!!

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

looks like a couple of bug bites...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been stuck at the same weight for over a year now, I can only blame myself for that! Lack of exercise and not eating what I should, BAD ME!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

some but not many