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

A friend at work, who was the same size as me, pulled me over one day and said, "Guess what I'm doing?" Then she told me all about it. I had no idea that the surgery had advanced so far and that insurance companies were starting to recognize the seriousness of obesity. It sparked a fury in me. I knew this was what I wanted to do. No second thoughts.

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

It was a little harrowing, though I kind of knew what was expected by this company. I had found a site on the internet of a lady who had the same insurance. I took this as a sign. The required information was really quite simple, a five year weight history. I though, no problem, until I went to my PCP and found they had weighed me 5 times in 12 years. And most were early on. Luckily, for me, I had kept track of my weight in a journal and I had a very supportive PCP. I gave him my records and he wrote me a letter for the insurance. Approval was quick after that.

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

It was very thorough. He was very professional, knowledgable and non-judgemental. I found this a great relief. BTC has a wonderful program with great support services.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew from the moment my friend told me. This was the godsend I was waiting for. I needed no time to think about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After looking at various sources of information, I felt the RNY was going to be the most successful. Especially, since I tended to be a big eater, especially when depressed, and had a sweet tooth. I felt the long term results were best with this procedure.

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 two main fears I had were getting drugs before going into surgery. I hated the idea of getting something to relax me...it made me more stresed. I eventually consented to a small dose, it didn't do anything. My other biggest fear, was I wouldn't breathe well after surgery since I have sleep apnea. I remember yelling afterwards, "I can't breathe!" over and over. The nurses kept telling me I was breathing fine.

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?

They couldn't have been better. My husband, daughter and mother were great. Even my mostly silent father was backing me all the way. My friends were concerned at first, but I took the opportunity to educate on how far WLS has come. Most were suprised on how much better it is these days. I don't think I have had anyone be negative about my decision.

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

Since I am a contingent employee, I didn't really have to tell my boss. However, I did mention it. Since my friend had already hard her done by this time, my supervisor was positive. due to my contingency status, I don't get ill time pay. So I had to go back to work after 16 days. This was hard, I work nights and I felt sick most of the time. Plus, having to eat so frequently was hard to manage in my job. It did get easier.

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

The hospital unit for BTC was great. A very positive experience. The nurses really know there stuff. Professional, non-judgemental with a sense of humor. 4 days total and I was outta there!

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

No complications.

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 was tense. I had got approval right before christmas. So I had to wait until after the holiday to get a date. By then, the schedule was into february. Wasn't happy about this, but I put the time to good use. Worked overtime and put my house in order.

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

I live in the same town. Thirty minutes tops. I wanted it close for the support. I ended up going out of network(with my insurance) because I felt it was necessary to be close.

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

The first several weeks, I was tired all the time. I got dizzy sometimes from overdoing it and not eating enough. By about the third month, my energy increased and I have been on the go ever since.

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

For vitamins, I took Bugs Bunny Chewables, sugarless of course. I used protein supplement from GNC the first couple of months because I never reached my protein goals.

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?

The first several months I had problems with nausea and vomiting. My work schedule made it worse. I ended up changing my schedule and it helped a lot. Now at 6 months, I rarely have bouts of nausea and haven't vomited for a long while. I am currently experiencing the hair loss, it isn't too bad, better than I thought. It has alrady slowed down. Haven't had any dumping.

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

The waiting. From my initial appointment to the surgery date was about 4 months. It drove me crazy!!

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

The follow-up appointments have been the best. Meeting with the dietitian each time has been a lifesaver. The book I got from BTC has been useful. I can usually find my answers in it. There are support groups, however, I don't like crowds so I don't take advantage of them.

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

It's a little raised and still a little red. I have an area in the middle that didn't heal as well as the rest so it is thicker and wider. It doesn't bother me. I see it as my battle wound.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't really had any plateaus. Then I only weigh every two weeks. I was afraid I would get obsessed with weighing, so I purposely avoided having a scale at home. I only weigh at the doctors office.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no. People tell I look so much better and show an interest in my progress. But I think a big part of it is I treat them differently. I am more outgoing and friendly. I don't try to hide anymore.