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

I heard of bariatric surgery several years ago, but was too afraid of the possible complications to think about it.

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

My surgeon and my primary care physician both wrote letters to my insurance company. They wanted additional information from my primary physician who had retired during this time frame. My new physician required an office visit before completing the additional information, but with that, my insurance company approved my surgery.

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

My first visit was very informative. My surgeon went over all the risks associated with surgery. He discussed both the RNY and lap banding surgery and gave me his recommendations for which would be best for me. I recommend people write down their questions to take with them. Sometimes when that doctor walks through the door, the questions just disappear. If they're written down, you can refer back to your list.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was having more health problems and the risks of letting things go on as they were outweighed the risks of the surgery to me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the surgery best able to give good results and went with what my surgeon recommended.

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 did fear dying or any of the other surgical complications. I reliecd on prayer of friends and family. And I trusted my surgeon, he is very competent. I determined that for me, the risks of continuing my current lifestyle were greater than the risks of surgery.

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?

The reactions I received varied. They went from complete support to people telling me I did not really need the surgery. I have felt very blessed by the support I have received from 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?

I told my supervisor when I was in the process of getting insurance approval that I was considering wls. She was supportive, but wanted as much notice as possible before surgery. I was off work for 4 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 2 days. I had my surgery at the hospital where I work and was concerned that I would not receive the same care and concern as any other patient. That I would be expected to do more or 'be better' than anyone else. Everyone was very compassionate and helpful. The most important thing to bring to the hospital is knowledge. Know what you can and can't do, what you can and can't eat/drink.

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

I had 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 extremely tired for the first 2 weeks. Even taking a shower was exhausting. After that things improved steadily. No problems with anxiety/depression after surgery.

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

Expect to be tired. I had little pain other than from the drain that remained in for the first 5 days. I had foods/liquids that I could eat prepared and on hand in the house so there were no problems with that. I had very little appetite and ate as directed, not because I really wanted to.

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

My doctor and hospital were about 25 miles from my home. Not a problem.

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.

Initially I had no appetite. Probably for the first 3 months. I started out with liquids, liquid protein powder mixed with milk. That progressed to a week of pureed foods and then to regular foods. I am almost 6 months post-op and still can't tolerate some foods. I can't tolerate hard boiled eggs, Chinese food and get very full from carbohydrates. I have not tried soda or cookies/candy/cake, etc.

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

During the first 1-2 weeks, I walked around the house mostly. Starting week 3 I started going outside for walks around the block. It was very tiring, but I wanted to do things right. I started working out at they YMCA about 3 months post op. Now I work out 3-4 times a week.

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

I take multivitamins twice a day, calcium supplement, vitamin B12, biotin for hair loss and iron three times a day.

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?

So far the hair loss is the worst I have had to cope with. I just take my biotin and make sure I eat enough protein.

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

Having to go home with the surgical drain in. Every time I changed position or moved, the drain moved a little and was uncomfortable.

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

I attend the support group started by the sugeon's group. It is extremely helpful and I would recommend to everyone that if there is a support group available, they should attend.

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

I have 4 laparoscopy scars and one from my drain. They are what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have made it past my first plateau. I had very steady weight loss for the first 4-5 months, then a 3 week plateau where the scale didn't move an ounce. But I continued to lose inches. My clothes were loser, etc.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I went to the coffee shop on my birthday a couple weeks ago to buy coffee for a group of friends. A man came in and seeing I had my hands full, he waited to open the door for me. He even offered to help me get it in my car! I know that wouldn't have happend before I had this surgery.