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

A couple of people at work had the surgery and I was impressed with their weight loss. I also said that I would never take such a drastic measure to lose weight :). That was before I hit my all time high of 324.

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

The waiting for me was the worst part. I was fortunate and got approval on the first letter. I think this was only because the surgeons office knew what my insurance wanted and we sent everything to them at first.

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

My first visit went well. I had read a couple of books on WLS and visited several sites to be better prepared. Make a list of questions that you have when you go to the first meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I hit an all time high in my weight and knew that "going on a diet" was not going to work....again. I couldn't imagine trying to diet again. I was also on the verge of being put on BP meds and overall felt physically bad.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After what I read and at the initial consultation I decided on the RNY. One because it limits sugars, which is a weakness of mine and the success I had seen with a friend who had 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 had more fears about how I would be able to tolerate foods after the surgery rather than the surgery itself. I did get a little nervous the day of surgery when it really hit that it was really going to happen.

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?

I have been very fortunate to have the complete support of my family and friends.

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 supportive also, mainly because there was another employee that had the surgery and done well. I was out of work 3 weeks.

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 3 days. I had to stay an extra day due to my heart rate and BP being up. The nurses there were wonderful and extremely helpful. I brought books, magazines, cd player and didn't use them. What I did use chapstick, shampoo, soap, robe, slippers, and my own gown (hate those backless things!).

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?

Excited and a little nervous. I talked to anyone who would listen :).

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

I was tired alot and took lots of naps. Don't push yourself! I initially had a hard time with getting fluids down. I lived off of sugar free popsicles and Carnation Instant Breakfast for the first week.

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

About 5 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.

I have followed the diet that was given to me by my surgeon. I tolerate most everything that is on the list. I did become lactose intolerant after the surgery.

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

I began walking briefly when I got home. I try to walk at least 30 minutes each day.

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

Protein drinks and 2 chewable Flintstones vitamins.

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 was extremely lucky and have had no side effects yet.

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

The initial gas pains.

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

Meeting once a month. Helpful to get information from others who have had the surgery.

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

Six small incisions. Looked like I thought it would.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No