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

I had heard about it a long time ago just never thought I was a candidate for it. But I also thought it was for really overweight people and they were the lucky ones that had help to loose the weight.

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

Ok this is a major thing- be patient! NEVER GIVE UP. I have military insurance w/ tricare and well at first I heard no they wont cover this and you dont weigh enough and so on and on but I did some checking and started the process. I went to my Primary dr and talked w him and discussed my health factors and options and well he started the process w sending me for the class. Then we went from there. I had just about every test that man can think of but well after 7months I got the end results. Right before surgery I got a little worried but I had a call from my rep w tricare and well she just assured me that if I needed anything let her know and she would help me out.

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

My first impression was ok. I will say ask tons of questions and do not let the dr run your appointments. I went with who my insurance company would allow me to go to but in the end I switched for my after care because the surgeon was more about money then my health. My best advice is ask questions and go w your gut feelings. If you have any reservations about surgeon call insurance company and ask for another surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to do the surgery cause I wanted to get a new beginning. I wanted my life back!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I weighed the odds of both- lap band and bypass. I asked lots of people questions and talked to them about their experiences. I also wrote the pros and cons of each and then went w what would be best for me in my life and fit into my world best. I went with the bypass.

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 lots of fears- I walked thru this journey by myself. My husband deployed overseas about 2months prior to my surgery date. So I was doing this all on my own w 2kids and no family close. I was scared to death that if I had any complications who would take care of kids till he could come home and what if... So it was scarey. But I did allot of planning and arranging. I covered almost everything so if anything happened things were taken care of. But I will say be prepared and plan ahead even the smallest big helps.

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 husband didnt really care or weigh in much. My parents kept telling me why. But I did not let any of them talk me out of my decision. Afterwards the best support I had was my coworkers- one of which had the surgery 2yrs prior. So he was like my crutch and best support I had.

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

My boss was very supportive of my decision and I just told them that I was having the surgery. They said to take as much time as I needed but I took 2wks of sick leave and well I am very bull-headed and was determined I was going back. I had surgery on a Monday and w some complications released on a Friday then exactly 2wks later was back at work. I manage a liquor store. Now I was very limited to what I did while at work but I was there.

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

I was very impressed w my first seminar but that is not where I had surgery at. My insurance would not cover this place but it set me up w all kinds of information to ask my surgeon and what I needed to make my final decision. Plus I called them w questions along the way.

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

I had a ok stay but whoever says you are gonna rest in hospital is crazy. They keep coming in to take vitals and stuff and all the bells going off- who can sleep. I was in hospital 5days but I had complications from anesithia and once they got that reaction under control I started to get some better. I took my computer and cell phone. Also, take comfortable clothes to where home and slip on shoes. Also take slippers cause they are gonna insist that you walk the halls.

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

I had complications from aneisthia but they gave me stuff to counteract it. Then I had an infection about 3wks out at the bottom of insisian and well surgeon acted like no big deal but my primary dr saved my life and kept me going. But I went to work everyday and wanted to die but kept pluggin along. I would come home and do nothing but once the infection finally cleared they found that I have a pinhole leak that in time is healing itself. So I will say be patient and keep going never give up.

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 like crap for about 8 wks but guess I am too bullheaded to give in and kept going. I started going to therapy almost immediately cause I was on an emotional rollercoaster and didnt know what to think and with husband gone really didnt have someone to talk w.

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

You will be in shock. No matter what you read and tell yourself about food or how you think your gonna react or feel- you will be in shock. Dont give in to temptations cause you will pay. You are gonna have moments where you got tons of energey and then where you barely have enough to get out of bed and go to bathroom. Its normal.... Be patient. Meals will be liquid and if you get sick of one thing try another.

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

I went 45miles. Didnt affect my aftercare much. Now that I have switched my surgeon I travel 80miles and would travel it in a heartbeat for the better care.

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

I bought a liquid multi-vitamin from A-1 supplements and Love it. Also take protein shakes and drinks.

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?

Hair loss was a shock even knowing it was coming but getting it under control. The dumping is an adjustment but once you figure out the hows and whats cause it you can prevent it or if not learn how to deal with it. Each person is different and learning how to deal with it is key. I still have issues w it if I eat to fast or too much. or eat something that is to heavy. I also get major air bubbles if I eat and drink allot while eating. So I have to be careful of this.

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

The infection afterwards and my surgeon acting like it was no big deal.

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

None

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

My scar is not pretty since I had an infection in the bottom of the stiches. So it didnt heal as nice as the rest of it. And no not at all what I expected or was told. Surgeon said 2 inches at most and well come home and measured it and it was 6.8 inches long. I had open surgery cause this surgeon did not do laposcopy. I was mortified with the size but not much I could do at this point. But w lots of vitamin e and medermia it is lighter.