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

My neighbor across the street from me had it done so she could get pregnant again. Which I thought was odd at the time.....who would lose weight to gain it back with pregnancy? But whatever, to each their own. Well, I watched it fall off her. But I watched her throw up alot too. Didn't care for that part of it at all. Then another friend of a friend had it done. And she did everything by the book, lost the weight.....no vomiting.....and she was a shining example of success.

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

My insurance company could not have been more cooperative. I was approved almost immediately with no problems.

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

First visit was actually a bit humorous. Before we met the actual man in person.......they put us in a room and turned on a dvd on a little dvd player. And here was the surgeon on the screen talking to us! LOL I remember thinking "wow, this is really impersonal!"...but then we met the actual real live person shortly thereafter. I was impressed with him immediately, he's an amazing surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After several frustrating attempts to lose weight conventionally. I just wanted to LOSE!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My primary care physician suggested laparoscopic RNY, and the surgeon concurred.

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?

My fears on those subjects were endless. I still have fears now. But...the fear of living at 325 pounds with pills and diabetes and high blood pressure.....that was a greater fear. I had to do something to attempt to change that.

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 daughters were adamantly opposed to the surgery. My husband played neutral, supporting me either way. My sons had a somewhat guarded concern. I think you just have to put all your faith and trust in your Higher Power and your surgeon.

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

Homemaker...so this question does not apply.

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

My stay at the hospital was lovely. I had my surgery on Thursday, November 6th......and came home on Sunday, November 9th. All my needs were met at the hospital. I really didn't need to bring anything.

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

While my surgeon was doing the RNY, he discovered that I had a hiatal hernia on my diaphragm, which he repaired....and a lump of fat down there too, which he removed. So as a result of the hernia, my breathing is a bit short-winded right now. But I walk daily and do my breathing exercises on my spirometer.....and it's getting better every day.

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

My anxiety was TERRIBLE pre-op. How my husband/family put up with me, I will never know. I changed my mind every other day......I stressed about everything....it was really bad.

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

Be greedy.......be selfish......your orders are to rest and relax. DO IT. Even if your family tries to make you feel guilty cuz you're just layin' around......to heck with them......do what you were told. REST. And eat and drink what they told you too. Don't ever let other people influence your decisions ever again. I won't.

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

I travelled two hours to Cleveland, Ohio...and we still are driving that distance for aftercare.

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.

This changes daily. Things I could not tolerate the first month, I could tolerate the second and so on and so forth. For me, it's almost magical...because anything that's too sweet or too fatty or greasy...is intolerable. And that's wonderful since that is exactly the type of foods that got me in trouble to begin with.

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

Well now this...is interesting. My one regret would be that I timed this to occur at a WARMER time of year lol. I had my surgery in November and it got progressively colder after my surgery. So my energy levels were INCREASING while the temperatures outside were dropping rapidly. So I was limited as to how much outdoor walking/exercises I could do, which saddens me. I wish I had done it as we were coming into Spring, so I could get outside more.

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

I take one Centrum Silver every day. I take a Vitamin D supplement every Thursday. And I take four Juice Plus supplements daily, two in the morning, two at night.

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?

Nausea and vomiting only occurred with me when I attempted to eat something I probably shouldn't have. Or...I may have taken too big of a bite...or not chewed it enough...or ate too fast. You learn to adjust that very quickly. My greatest problem I have is referred pain to the back of my left shoulder blades. It's excruciating and debilitating. My pcp is treating it with electro static charges and hydrotherapy. And I see my surgeon again soon and we will be discussing it as well.

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

Honestly, the waiting and weeks leading up to the surgery. I had a nurse at my hospital who was horrible. She harassed me about c-pap machines and sleep apnea and everything she possibly could. I did NOT have sleep apnea, nor did I need a c-pap machine but she made me go through three sleep studies to prove that I did not require this type of treatment. She was relentless.

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

I really don't have one. I mean, I suppose I'll see people when I go back for my checkups and stuff........but I'm really more of a private person. So websites like this and my Myspace page.......it's enough for me. And my family......they're my support group.

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

My scar? You mean these five little scratches I have on my tummy? Cuz seriously I have a cat who's done more damage to me than these scars lol. Honestly, I expected to be somewhat disfigured......as I had seen in some videos......but I'm not.....and for that, I'm very grateful. But......I had the BEST surgeon on the planet too!!! :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any yet......following orders as given.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.....I haven't lost any weight to speak of yet. Give it time lol.