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

Ads in the newspaper and going to a seminar on the procedure. I was scared at first about surgery, but as I met others I became more at ease about the idea. I have since met others who would never consider the surgery because of fear. It is is a big decision.

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

I had to self pay the $25,000.00 out of pocket. I worked with insurance and was first told I was covered, but then the exclusion was found. I am self employed and even considered getting a regular job for the coverage, but in the end paid in cash. I took it from my retirement funding. My thinking was that I may not have a retirement anyway if I didtn get this fixed, so it was an easy decision at that point. I cant say that I am not angry or upset over the fact that the insurance didnt pay. I am. They seem to cover allot of other addictive types of behaviors. There is allot of ignorance out there.

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

I felt like I was meeting a celebrity. She was very comforting and reassuring. Bring questions after doing as much research as possible. Read, read, read and get onto online forums to ask anything. It helps to find another person who has gone through the process. Thats what I did to get me started. Network.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick and tired of the cycle of the wieght loss and gain. I was an overweight child and had had enough. We moved to Arizona from New York and with that major change I was ready for more. I'm middle aged, so change is inevidable, and I am actually changing even more with other issues. I saw the ad in the newspaper, and thought about whether or not this would work for me. Its started there.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Rouen Y. I looked into lab band and didnt think it was for me. Since I was self pay, I wanted a proven solution. I had heard from others that sometimes the lapband didnt work, and then they had to have the bypass anyway. I couldnt take the chance and than pay for 2 surgeries.

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 made sure I was as healthy as possible before the surgery. The year long program with my doctor carfeully cleared us with loads of tests to make sure we were physically and mentally ready. I lost a little weight before the surgery, and improved my diet. I wasnt dwelling on the dying part, or at least not focusing. I told my parents about 1.5 months before the surgery. Mom cried as her fear was possible death. But I reasured her that the chances were slim for me. I didnt have major comorbidites to worry about, fortunately. I was very optimistic and well informed.

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 parents were upset at first, fearing the danger. But my entire family has been supportive. My husband has been, but is also in a sabbotage mode at the moment, eating stuff in front of me, that I specifically didnt want him to do. So I am upset about that. I would do the same again. I condided with my sister early on, and waited until one and a half months before my surgery to tell my parents. I didnt want them to worry so far out before the actual time of the surgery.

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

I am self employed. I had to adjust my work and schedule.

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

My stay was good. Everything went well, and I had no issues. They were caring and considerate. I even got a foot massage. I didnt bring alot to the hospital

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

Yes, I had 2 strictures. I waited to long with the first one to have it corrected, but knew the signs with the second one. They happened about 3 weeks then 5 weeks from 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?

I felt weak, and was sick allot. I took it one day at a time. I had support and relyed on them. I went to the monthly support groups.

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

Expect to be tired and in pain. Try to keep active and stay away from stress. Get your rest and follow all the directions that they tell you to do. Its gets better. I had surgery 7 days before christmas. I wouldnt do that as, the gatherings with food made me depressed that I couldnt eat. Do the surgery well away from important holidays.

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

20 miles

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.

10 days of broth and jello, then cooked veggies, egg, chicken, beans, then slowly all the food in the 4th month. I was sick almost everyday. I was sick allot and it finally subsided about a year out of surgery. This is a difficult time, but it is worth the struggle.

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

I walked at least 20 minues eveyday. In the 8th month I got a bicycle. I have since broken my hip so my activity is slower now. I am waiting to get back to where I was.

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

Multi vitamin 2Xs day, calcium citrate 3x's day, Vit B12, 3x's week.

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?

Dumping is terrible, but its a check for me to let me know that I ate a wrong food. Vomiting was bad too. I still get dumping 20 months later, and I stopped vomiiting after one year. Never lost my hair!

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

The long duration of the process, the pain, the sacrifices. That it is a long process. And it never ends. Its a commitment and a lifestyle change you have to follow. Not a quick fix. All the same rules apply for maintaning a healthy life style as if you didnt have surgery. Eatting right, exercising, and making good choices.

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

Monthly bariatric support groups are marvelous! They have helped emensly. Sponsered by the hospital for free. OH magazine and online forums help too.

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

They are almost invisible! Not a problem. Took many months to get that way, but they are really nothing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued about 7-8 months from the surgery. I just kept to the routine and eventually things moved. I just realised that my body needed time to adjust and catch up. Exercise was an important key to keep it going.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

HMMMMMMMMMMMMM. I am not sure. I have people notice the weight loss. Its really hard to say. Maybe