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

As a nurse I knew a lot about bariatric surgery. I knew that it was a major step and that each individual has to mentally and emotionally ready for the commitment. I have dear friend that is one year out with her RNY and she has done great! She is now active and living her life at high speed, riding roller coasters with her son, jumping on the trampoline, things that she could not do before because of the excess weight. She was my inspiration.

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

I had no problem with my insurance company. I have BCBS of Michigan and the process of approval went smoothly---a lot of thanks to my bariatric coordinator, Libby, for facilitating everything, that made the process smooth as well.

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

My first meeting with Dr, Hata was very informal and relaxed. My husband and I sat in Dr. Hata's office and were given plenty of time for questions and answers. I am a registered nurse and have worked with many surgeons, and have to say that they are not usually my favorite people. Dr. Hata is different, his passion for bariatric surgery shines through, he is very passionate about improving his patients quality of life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I realized how strongly my husband supported me when I was convinced that I should "just do it". I was obviously a candidate and my insurance was pre-approved. I wanted to be healthy and live to be an old lady and with the extra weight and co-morbidities I was not going to reach that goal. With the love and support of my amazing husband, I can survive anything.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The procedure was a given-RNY. I had diabetes and with the resolution of Type II DM at 90% I needed to think no more. I wanted to be healthy.

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?

The chance of dying from obesity and the co-morbidities that come along with it put you at a greater chance of death than the surgery. All surgeries come with risk but all in all the chance is relatively low.

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 did not tell my family until the night before my surgery. I felt that this was a personal decision and I did not want to drag them into the decision making. Of course they were angry that I waited until the last minute to tell them, but they got over it and are supportive now.

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

I am a college professor and have the summer off from work, I planned my surgery around my work schedule and none of my co-workers know that I have had it.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I have not went yet due to a pre-planned vacation that fell on that day. I do plan to attend in the future.

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

My hospital stay was great. I was in over night and discharged in the late afternoon. I recommend bringing good walking shoes (non-slip) and a robe. You will be up and walking the afternoon of your surgery and a bath robe was a must for me. I also took my own pajamas and some socks. I had a bottle of lotion packed and after the SCD's came off a good lotion rub down on my legs provided by my amazing husband felt great. Also, pack some chap stick!!

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 had no anxiety post op and personally felt great. Sure, I was a little tired the first couple of days--anesthesia does that to you. I have never experienced anxiety post op, I know I did the right thing for me and my family.

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

You will be sore the first couple of days after discharge and sleeping was a slight challenge. I found that I slept better in my recliner than in the bed with my husband. This only lasted two nights and I was finally comfortable lying flat. I had surgery on Wednesday, was discharged home on Thursday and drove approximately 35 miles to see my mom and dad on Friday. The week after surgery my husband and I went on vacation and I was able to do my normal activities (except sex, my belly was still too tender). I resumed having sex about week 2 and have had no problems, in fact as the weight is coming off my sex life is improving.

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

I am lucky that I have a flexible work schedule. I chose a hospital that is 40 miles from my home and about an hour drive. If I had a tight work schedule the distance would probably cause 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.

Post op I stayed on full liquids for a week. Unjury protein powder is wonderful. It has 20 grams of protein per scoop and mixed with SF Almond Milk is delish!! Week 2 I added soft foods, I ate applesauce and eggs, cottage cheese and mashed up cooked veggies, I still made sure to get at least 60 grams of protein from my shakes or from fish. Fish is healthy and easy on my new tummy. I like grilled salmon and tilapia. I am now at the one month mark and I have added some soft fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches), baby belle cheese is a staple for snacks (low fat of course), Greek yogurt, and soft chicken. I still can't tolerate toast and had a bad experience with roasted turkey deli meat. I still have an Unjury shake for breakfast as I like the taste and the convenience.

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

The first days after surgery I walked as much as I could. I would walk up and down the drive way a lot. I found that walking eased some of the gas pain that you experience post op. Now the walking has progressed to exercise walking and I am shooting for 30 mins a day four days a week. With that being said we have had a very rainy summer and thunderstorms almost every afternoon, this has prevented me from getting some of my walks in so I am considering joining the local YMCA.

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

Biotin to keep my hair from falling out; Calcium Citrate, Vitamin D3 and Opurity By-Pass and Sleeve Optimized vitamin chews--the Opurity has every thing I need in one pill. I also give myself a B-12 injection monthly.

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 have had some mild nausea (tried toast and that created severe nausea), but that is it. I have been so careful to follow my surgeons recommendations and I think that has helped me prevent experiencing the severe side effects.

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

Not getting it done sooner!! I wish I would have done this 5 years ago and been well ahead on my journey to good health.

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

I have not attended the support group meeting yet. I have one coming up in August.

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

My lap sites are tiny and much better than expected. My surgeon used minimal incisions.