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

Friends had the surgery, so I began researching.

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

After submitting the paperwork, the insurance wanted a statement from me that I wanted the surgery and a statement from my PCP that the benefits of the surgery outweighed the risks.

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

My first meeting the Dr. Stegemann was wonderful. He explained the procedure and the risks and answered all of my questions. To get the most out of this meeting, read the research and have questions prepared. Don't be afraid to ask, even the smallest detail.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to feel better and live longer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the RNY and the Lap Band thoroughly.

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 feared dying, only because I didn't want to leave my husband. Otherwise, I knew I was in the Lord's grip.

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 family, friends, and coworkers were all so supportive, both pre-op and post-op. My husband is a jewel of a nurse!

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

My supervisor was only concerned for my safety. I explained the procedure and answered any questions she had. I have been off of work for 2 weeks and I will probably be off for another 1-2 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful, except two days after I fell and landed on my stomach! Ouch! Thank the Lord, I didn't damage anything. The only thing I didn't like about the hospital was the bed. The mattress was so thin. The nurses and assistants were wonderful. I had an Open RNY on Wednesday and I went home on Saturday. I felt the nurses care, support, and compassion was the most importand part of the hospital.

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

About 3 week out, I developed a wound infection. The Doctor had to open it a bit and left it open, to drain from the inside out.

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, but I was exhausted. I still (15 days post-op) have a fair amount of drainage from the suture line. They say it is normal, though. Some people just have more than others.

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

It was hard to walk because I was tired most of the time, but I did walk to build up my stamina and strength.

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

I traveled only 6 miles.

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'm about 7 months out now and I can eat most things. I still do not eat sugars and I eat very few carbs. I do not tolerate ribs or pork chops. These used to be my favorite foods.

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

I forced myself to walk to build up my strength and stamina. It was hard, though.

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

Chewable Flintsones (twice a day) and Tums (4 per day for the first 3-4 weeks post-op. I also took Biotin, because some tell me that it may help with the hair loss. My hair thinned out anyway. I am now taking Citracal+D (1890 mg/day) and 2 One Source Prenatal vitamins/day. I buy them from Wal-mart.

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 had diarhea for the first seveal days. Then about 4 months out, I developed severe constipation. The doctor suggested stool softeners. No I take stool softeners instead of fiber and all is well again.

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

The sore throat (from the intubation)after the surgery

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

Stapemates, a support group that is led by the physician's group. It is so helpful to know and talk to others who understand and can help guide me through all of this change.

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

My scar is much less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None, so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are friendlier to me now.