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

I think I read a brochure but I have a fairly "medical mind" so I was able to evaluate the medical terms, but I could not prepare for what I was to go thru. So little knowledge is in the general public that for most it seemed I was taking the "easy way out". Your support is limited by the number of people around you who understand the risks, benefits and requirements involved.

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

No problems. My health problems pretty much spoke volumes. High BP, Diabetes, fatty liver (most fat people have this) and I'm sure sleep apnea although not formally diagnosed.

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

SCARY. It was all laid out for me. Your options are limited when your health is failing. Your mortality is put in your face and it is uncomfortable. I may not die tomorrow, but I would have faced a most painful and long death, both physically and emotionally.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mom and sister had the same surgeon and I was in contact with successful patients who committed to support me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY was choice with Dr. Betcher, he explained or should I say educated me and we proceeded with the Lap RNY

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 really didn't fear it, since Dr. Betcher educates his patients so well I had full confidence in his abilities, as well as the support staff and my personal support.

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?

Support, Support, Support. I wouldn't have told as many people. Uneducated, that is about the surgery can be "stupid". Everyone has been very supportive.

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

Since I work for my dad that was a breeze. I originally took 4 weeks off but when I had the bowel obstruction I took another 4. I could have returned in 2 but I had a nice vacation. It takes time to learn to eat again.

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

Well, horrible.The nursing staff thought they knew it all but were quite untrained to the type of care my doctor wanted. I only went to this hospital for insurance reasons. I was there 3 days the first time, 2 for the bowel obstruction repair. Bring loose pajamas.

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

Yes, a bowel obstruction. At first we thought I was have reflux, but meds didn't fix the problems of vomiting and burning within a few days. So I went to Endoscopy at the hospital and they saw that the hook up has healed/swollen shut. They tried a balloon and when that didn't work I was rushed to the hospital at 2:00 pm from a religious assembly and was in surgery at 4:30 pm. Yippie, all better in about 4 days.

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

All is good with the right pain control. No problem and good support.

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

Long periods to re-learn to eat. Walk 2 miles everyday and drink your water!

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

3 minutes!

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.

My doctor teaches us, no sugar, very little dairy, and not fatty foods. Post op 7 days, liquids=tomato, chicken noodle, split pea soups, yuk! and jello (sugar free) and my fav. popsicles. then 2 weeks of soft diet. and boy are those the best mashed potatoes ever. cream of wheat, toast, egg. then you start regular diet. I was allowed the beans from Taco Bell. wow so good. no fruits for liek 3 months and no raw veggies. I didn't like them anyway. prefer cooked. sometimes i would not do well with something like in week 5 eggs made me ill, but week 10 I had them daily. I'm just short of one year and I can pretty much eat anything I want. Oh, ABSOLUTELY NO SODA!!! It stretches the new hook up thru carbonation.

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

slowly work your way up, no heavy lifting or moving furniture. all i did directly after surgery for a couple of weeks was walk, drink water, walk, eat, walk, sleep and start that all over.

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

I started with Flintstone Vitamins 4 daily chewable,and a protein supplement, liquid for 6 weeks then switch to a powder. (hated that!) labs are checked regularly to see if I'm diffecient. now I just take Centrum one per day. I have taken Biotin since 3 Months for hair loss.

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?

Since your metabolism is jump started, sleep disturbance has been a problem. Enter Benadryl or Tylenol PM. When you vomit, it is all over, you suddenly feel better. Best coping mechanism: WALK if off!

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

Learning that as I change it is ok to like myself. Many fat people loath themselves. and Walking 2 miles everyday! and getting enough water in.

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

Tempus Support, once a month, online support, family support. Even my kids get on me when I think I'm going to "cheat" The support group is more than a social event. I actually learn new tricks, supplement info, proper fitting of shoes and hear and see others in various stages of the wls journey.

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

I had Lap, so I have 7 slightly dark marks in circle around the abdomen. Think Fondue pot. 11 Months out now they look pretty good. so Better than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I stopped walking and vitamins. Very BAD! energy levels down and weight loss stopped and I am behind my imaginary schedule by about 20 pounds. But I'm back on track now. I have this tool I have been given and I plan to use it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH YES! Especially men. for a while there I thought only my husband was a gentleman.