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

My father's business partner's sister had the surgery about 40 years ago and she passed away. So I have always been scared of it. But as things progressed and it got safer and safer I wanted to do it. I also found that she and her entire family had heart problems and that it was probably not the surgery that killed her. When my insurance plan finally started to pay for the surgery I immediately checked into it. But it was 2 years before I finally went through with it.

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

No issues with that I was approved in 2009 and had to put it on hold due to medical issues my husband had. And when I went back to look into doing it again this year it took only 12 hours from the time the doctors office faxed the paperwork to the insurance company for them to receive the approval letter and my surgery was scheduled for August 30, 2011. My advice to everyone is make sure you have all your testing in order make sure you realize some insurance requires 6 months of supervised weight loss and most doctors require you to lose at least 10 percent of your body weight before they will schedule surgery. Be prepared to wait but attend the support groups until surgery then time will go much faster.

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

My first visit was long and he asked a lot of redundant questions, but you need to answer truthfully. I was disappointed that I left there without a surgery date and that I had to lose 30 pounds before he would schedule the surgery but I was determined to have the surgery so I started dieting right away.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Insurance paid for it and I needed a drastic measure to help me kickstart my weight loss because nothing else was working.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Knew that the lapband was not going to help me because I would be able to eat anything I wanted and would be easy to go back to the old habits. So I chose the Laprascopic RNY also the insurance did not pay for any other types except those two.

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 had fear only in small amount. I left a note for my husband and son in my purse but did not tell them it was in there and after I came home and was fine I destroyed the letters and never told them about them.

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?

Everyone has been very supportive. Some just wish that others in my family would have the surgery too.

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

He was very attentive to my need for the surgery and very supportive. My entire department for that matter. They are all wonderful they took up a collection and I bought me a magic bullet and a new outfit for when I am smaller!

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

I was scared but then everyone there was there for the same reason so I got over my fear quickly. It was a very informative meeting.

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 30 hours total. I was up walking the halls the next morning my surgery was longer than most but I took very little pain medications.

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

NO the only thing that was the biggest for me was my entire belly was bruised for more than two weeks. But everything went smoothly for me. Went back to work after 30 days.

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 excited and all my friends and family supported me with no fears at all.

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

I did not have any problems but was hard to get the proteins and water in was not hungry. It was also difficult to get the exercise in because it was so hot outside. I missed my water aerobics for 6 weeks and that was tough.

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

45 mins no farther than I drive to work daily.

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.

Chicken was the hardest for me if it is dry I ended up throwing up. If I eat to fast I throw up. Really can eat just about anything. I still do two protein shakes a day.

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

My activity level slowly increased. I am now working out 6 days a week. And on Sundays I take my granddaughter out for a walk to get in my cardio.

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

All the recommended, B12, Calcium, Vitamin D, C, Iron, Multi vitamin.

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?

throwing up when I eat to fast.

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

Waiting to have the surgery date scheduled.

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

I have not been yet need to attend but it coincides with my water aerobics class.

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

6 small scars with two on an existing scar. Will be gone with my Panny.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have them all the time if I eat to many starches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not treating me differently just tons of comments on how great I am looking!!!