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

I had a few co-workers who had the surgery in VA with FANTASTIC results. I was impressed how much was lost and how healthy they felt. I immediately started researching it from here to see if this was possible.

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

I had very little trouble getting approval. I had a fantastic clerk working for my PCP who esured any pertinent info got faxed to the insurance co. My advice is find someone like I had and make sure you collect any paperwork you can.

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

Dr Cooney was thorough. He discussed all options. He advised this was a life changing surgery and needed follow though. He gave me the good, bad and ugly. This helped me make a more intelligent decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This page and research I had done. I needed to lose weight to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY is the type this doctor does. I had the option of lap but decided against it when given various options.

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 main fear was complications after surgery. I have sleep apnea and knew this could create a problem. My fears were justified but did not happen. I had a great medical staff and the ICU nurse was extremely concerned if I looked like I might be in trouble.

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 husbands first reaction was to try another diet. He does not like surgery/hospitals and felt this was a risk. His fear was he would lose me during surgery. I have 2 teenagers and my 18 yr old was very supportive. The 17 yr old had trouble with it for a while. All friend have been very supportive. My family for the most part are supportive.

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

They were amazingly supportive. My direct svr is very thrilled with the outcome. I was told many times over how great I looked.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. My stay was uneventful after the first night. I have sleep apnea and the SICU nurse had concerns with my stats and the fact I was not breathing right. She showed extreme care and concern. My husband was there and was amazed at the amount of care I received. I would say the most important things to bring were socks/slippers, lip balm,toothbrush and comb/brush. I would say bring the simplest of things along. The first few days you really don't want to do alot.

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

My only complication was the sleep apnea. The nurse and I dealt with it by raising the head of the bed.

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 am 2 weeks post-op and feeling great. I get pain only if I overdo things or drink too fast. I had concerns with the staples. I have never had them before and was concerned that I could have a reaction to them. The doctor reassured me that this was unlikely. At 6 months, I rarely have anxiety. I feel pretty good.

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

My first few days, I was uncomfortable. I had trouble trying to sleep as I sleep on my side. I would suggest having pillows available to prop yourself up. It will help greatly. I wanted to do more than I was able to do . This is my nature and I had to deal with it.

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

I traveled to Hershey PA which is about 50 minutes. The trip home after surgery was uneventful due to careful driving by my husband.

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 was on total liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery, and afterwards. I will update later. At 4 months post op I can eat most anything. I have trouble with starches and breads. I am able to consume about an ounce more meat than last month. At 6 months, I still have trouble with breads, ham, pork.I can eat almost anything else with no problems.

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

I started walking and even joined a health club. I am working on my lower body currently. At 4 months, I walk 2.3 miles a day. At 6 months, I walk 4-5 miles a day.

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

I am on 2 chewable vitamins a day. I also take 2 cheawable vitamin c chews a day. At 6 months, I take 2 multi vitamins, iron, vitamin c, and calcium.

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?

I only have had 3 incidences of vomiting. My sleep apnea is gone. I have not dumped. And my hair loss was average. It still comes out but I had a perm to avoid the feeling of baldness. I am still having some hair loss, but it is decreasing at 6 months.

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

Learning to adjust to chewing properly. Even with all of the info prior to surgery, I have had little things to adjust to.

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

I am on line with OSSG group. Also I have continued to have sessions with a psychiatrist for assistance with my changing lifestyle. All support is helpful. I have great co-workers and have received a lot of support from my family. I stopped the appointments with the psychiatrist. I feel I am able to handle the changes in my personal and professional life.

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

The scar at this point 7 weeks is healing nicely. It is a little larger than I expected. But I would gladly do it all over again. At 6 months, the scar is less bright/red. It has healed nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About 3 weeks ago I plateaued for 2 1/2 weeks. It was frustrating but I had heard this would happen. I have since lost another 5 pounds.I have had 2 other plateaus @ 3 weeks back. At 16 months I have stabilized and am not losing/gaining more than 2 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to treat me with more respect and kindness. I have been constantly complimented by people who know me. I have noticed 6 months out that some people treat me with indifference and old friends treat me different. They won't want to go out with me. At 16 months, my friends are still there for me. Others who may have dropped out were probably affected by the weight loss.