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

I am a RN... known about for 15 years...thought it was for quitters... a cheat... if you wanted a quick fix... I could go on, very negative towards the procedure.

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

I had a well documented fight with weight. I saw my primary doc regulary for HTN, OSA, Hyperlipidemia, depression... so the weight history and co morbids were documented. Use any and all documentation... work physical history, WW or other diet program journals... just don't give up the process... ask you insurance what they want... they will help you, it is in their best interest.

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

Surgeon known to me as he practiced in hospital when I was a critical care RN. Group setting for teaching, which was very good, then exam with MD. Come ready to soak up a lot of info, taking a few notes will help... get the phone numbers of key people in the office. Have your questions ready, you have to help the surgeon help you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My grandchildren... I realized I was missing a lot... I hurt, couldn't move or walk very far or long. I don't know what happened, but I just decided riding in my car one evening that I was ready to have a life... I had a medical problem and I could use a medical approach, so I came home and emailed Dr. Jawad's office.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Understanding what each did and what was required of the person... banding did not give me enough time to "reset"... I needed a combination of things, I needed long term help. The Roux n Y had what I needed... restrictive... absorption, and the time to make some life style changes. I also needed the loss boost to get active.

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?

Just a few of the random paranoid pre op thoughts... I would be the statistic case, the failure. I realized that is the same type of thinking I exercise with weight loss efforts. At a BMI greater than 51... risk of doing nothing greater than the very small risk of lap GBS. If you are scared... talk your fears through with a counselor... your head is the most important part of this entire procedure.

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?

Mixed... a few very close friends thought I should try losing weight again before doing surgery. My daughter was the most supportive! She was all right Mom... I was very open with the team I work with, told them what I was doing and asked for their support. They are great! They all came to see me post op! Everyone is great, humor is the key with my friends and family, so they tease, gave me a thimble for a dish... just fun neat stuff... but they all come over, visit... one of my buddies is going to start working out with me June 1... now that is support.

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

I am very upfront! He was VERY supportive... asked questions.... he came to see me the next morning after surgery. I manage a department, told my team when I made decision... we laugh and support... just a great environment. Communication to mean serves several purposes... I am out... I am actively trying to loose weight and you know it... and then hey... I might act different or need a little slack or the ability to be a little different going forward. Out of work less than 2 weeks.

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

Good... 24 hours. Comfortable sloppy fitting clothes... You are going to be up and moving withing 2 hours of surgery if lap... so get ready to move.

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

None, nothing.

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

Ready... I was impatient with the wait. I started to make the lifestyle changes and explored my trigger foods. STAY BUSY... I don't wait well.

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

I bounce back quick. You are sore... remember that, but take you pain med and move... don't lay in bed... You are always doing something about your feeding or drinking. Get your RXs filled before surgery. Have your fridge stocked with post op diet before you get home ( my sweet husband bought groceries for me the morning before discharge)... find a routine... I found that really helped me.

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

Local, the best is right here in my town.

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.

Still transitioning... no issues yeat. I carry a drink in my hand all day... used the Bariatric Eating web site to get some daily journal pages... this helped get a routine and keep track of what was going in. I am now 5 weeks post up, going into 6th week. I have no issues... the day I transitioned to soft real foods, eggs, tuna, that sort of thing... scared... felt strange to eat somewhat of normal diet. Has gone very well... I measure my food.. and when I start feeling full... I stop... one extra bite really gets me.

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

Slow but up and around. Fourth day post op, walked around the block... slowly, but walked. Breathe deep, use your IS and move... Start of second week, started using tred mill. 5 weeks, up stairs, can sit on floor and then up again... more walking... walk more than drive at work now... couple weeks and I will begin weight work at gym.

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

Stared one week out, Multivitamin, Iron, Calcium, and B12... I use Bariatric Advantage... I recommend using a certified supplier of vitamins... too important to skimp.

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?

None yet, I started feeling better the first 48 hours post... I have more energy, my nails are growing... hair fine. I take my vitamins and protein supplements religously.

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

Waiting for the surgery!

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

Friends... and online OH... very helpful. They encourage, make you feel good about yourself... caring is very nurturing and supportive for me! I am self confident, but the show of support about your physical condition from friends is just wonderful!

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

Lap procedure.. the 4 little sites almost gone... hardly noticeable... the JP drain is healing, internal stitches still there, but looks like it will be very fine 1/2 inch incision line scar... g tube hole looks fine, hardly any pink around... should heal completely.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not my close friends, but co workers and acquaintences are treating me differently... hard to explain, but you feel a difference... included, talked to more often... body size makes a difference in our world.