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

I first learned about the surgery 11 years ago. I had thought about it, but then disregarded it. After the birth of my 2nd child I did go to a bariatric center and for some reason backed out. Maybe it wasn't the right time, right procedure or for some reason I decided to try it on my own for a while.

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

I knew I would qualify for insurance because a few people that I worked with had it done. It wasn't as hard for me as it is with some other people. I do have pretty good insurance.

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

The first visit with Dr. Baker was very informative. He laid everythign right out on the line so to speak to me. I had a list of questions that I was ready to ask and my husband went with me as well to ask his own questions and voice his concerns. I think it is helpful to right a list of things that you want to ask the surgeon and have a support person there to also ask some of their own questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery after hearing wonderful things from patients who had gone through it. I want to be there for my kids. I want to run and play with them. My oldest is 9 years old and I have never been able to play and have fun with them like I would like to...but soon that will change!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that if I could possibly have the lap. RNY done that would be the smartest way to go for me. I have a 6 month old baby that I didn't want to wait to hold. It is the least evasive procedure and believe me, staying only one night in the hospital was a lot better than 4 or 5 days!

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 remember going into surgery I was terrified!! I thought this is it, I could die, am I doing the right thing? I kept thinking, if I don't let them put me out, nothing will happen, my eyes were huge and I was fighting all the way. The nurse told me that I would be thinner and happier soon and I looked at her and said I know, it will be worth it. I did it despite the complications that could have happened for my family. It is as scary as having any other surgery really, same fears and things can happen with any 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?

Everyone was very supportive of me and my decison. Those who were skeptical about it even supported me. I wasn't going to tell my 87 year old Grandmother, but decided to, and she was even supportive! Believe me, if she feels good about it I knew it was alright and that it was the best decision! Everyone is helping me, telling me I look great. Everyone is very supportive.

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

My employer was very helpful and very understanding because I did have to take off a lot of personal days which they did approve to have all my appointments. I have been off work for 2 weeks and will be going back to work soon.

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

I stayed in a wonderful hospital in Grand Rapids MI, Butterworth. I felt very secure there and knew I was in the best possible hands. The nursing staff was wonderful and very supportive. The first time I was up and walking around they were clapping for me at my wonderful progress! I talked to them about concerns and future goals and they were wonderful! I brought a picture of my children to hang up and look at knew that they were the reason I was there!

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

No complications. (Knock on wood!!)

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

After getting my surgery date I was like wow...this is going to happen...is this to good to be true?! I knew the few weeks after were going to be an adjustment and I was ready for it! It didn't come fast enough for me. I was nervous of course but I kept thinking, it is all going to be worth it and I will be fine.

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

The first week home was hard. I wasn't hungry and wasn't getting enough to drink and the protein was not what I wanted. I was on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery to get my liver and stomach shrunk as much as possible, so I was pretty sick of the protein drink by that time. I was depressed and I cried a lot. It is a huge adjustment and now I know why you go through so much to have the surgery. All is well now though. I would say people should expect some depression afterwards, it is a change of life.

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

I had to travel 60 miles to the hospital and to the office.

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.

I am only a few weeks out of surgery. I am still on the protein diet. All foods are pretty much off limit. I have a strong desire to chew and bite into something! I haven't really had to deal with tolerance yet.

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

Support group and emailing different people who have had the surgery. And as well as this site. The support has been so helpful to me.

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

I have 6 small scars that have healed pretty well. I have had a lap done a few years ago (gall bladder) so I knew what kind of scars they would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any plateaus as of todays date. 2-22-03

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Haven't lost enough weight to notice yet but am sure the time will come when it does.