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

My daughter told me about bariatric surgery and then I watched the progress of my son in law after having the surgery. It seemed like a dream out of my reach so I never asked my doctor about it. After a few months of noticing my son in law's success, I asked my doctor to refer me to a surgeon and my doctor was totally against the surgery. He was against the thing that offered me hope, not because of its benefits but because of his previous experiences with patients who had had the surgery. That was not enough to convince me. I went to another doctor for a second opinion.

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

My advice to patients trying to get insurance approval is this: do not let the doctors office be totally responsible for getting the necessary info. Take a role in getting the right information from your insurance company. Don't take no for an answer. Fight!... this is YOUR health we are talking about.

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

When you meet the surgeon take your medical history with you. Afterall, he doesn't know what you have experienced. Make a scrap book showing your bout with obesity over the years. Discuss your health, not your vanity. Though it is considered cosmetic by many, for some it is a lifeline to better health.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery after witnessing my son in law go from 315 to 215 in 8 mos. The most I had lost on any program was 45 lbs and that took a year.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have the bypass surgery (RNY)but the surgeon I chose was against it because of past experiences. His mindset was totally about what to do if complications occur. From his point of view it was easier to correct the bvg than the 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?

At 55 years of age, survivor of lung cancer, stroke and paralysis-recent- victim of the change of life-user of 2 types of insulin for diabetes- having arthritis and sleep apnea: my fears of complications and death were insignificant. The thought of death had no sting to it. Complications were already present in my life, whats one more. Life continuing the way it was, this brought sadness, depression and grief to me.

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?

shoked, afraid and quizzical

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

i was not working, i was disabled

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

my hospital stay was pleasant. most of the professionals were just that, professionals. there is always a fly in the ointment. this was true in my case as well. there was one woman that busily pretended to be busy. besides her, everything else was okay.

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

i had no complications. i am 5 days post op. i will record any new changes

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 rcving my surgery date anxiety began to build. i couldn't keep my mind on other things. i kept thinking someone would call and tell me the surgery had been postponed. just jitters!

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

i was glad to be at home but there were different challenges awaiting me at home. ie:...lowering my self to the commode, cleaning myself appropriately, made harder because my reach was shortened by the staples in my adomine, measuring appropriate amounts of liquid and pureed foods w/o overeating, controling pain, etc...i am told that this won't last long, especially after your staples are removed. i'll know better in a few days.

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

i travelled about 5 mins from my home to the hospital and vice versa. i have no tall tales off aches and pains going home, just a bump here and there on the road.

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.

being post op only 6 days, i have very little to share.

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

i have had so many surgeries, this was a piece of cake.

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

surgery aftercare help is very important regardless to the type surgery. aftercare support group help is not total understood by me. maybe because i am not a part of a support group.

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

i immediately think of frankenstein when i view the staples going up to my breast from my belly button.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i had a 6 week plateau that caused my mind to go haywire. it happened between by 2nd and 3rd post op months. i realized they would happen but i never thought they would be so long

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

i am only 3 mos post op and 40 pounds down, so no i don't