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

Through internet. First stumbled upon the mini gastric bypass I wanted that but no surgeon close enough. After further research, decided on lap RNY as that is what my insurance covers and I was encouraged by all the success stories from here.

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

For me it wasn't too bad except the waiting. I had to get a copy of my medical records (over 200 pgs!) to Kim at Dr. Brown's office. She went throught them and said we had a shot so we took it. They denied it because I hadn't had 6 consecutive visits within the last 12 months with Dr. to monitor diet/exercise. I had 3 months so had to wait for next 3 months. They also said I was missing a couple of years info so Kim sent that and they denied again until the 6 mos. was complete. After 6 mos., faxed Dr.'s notes and an appeal letter that I found at OH (THANK YOU!!!) and they approved! I knew they would because I qualified, just didn't know when.

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

I did so much research that by the time I met my surgeon, it was like I'd already known him forever! The visit helped settle questions for my husband, tho, which I appreciated very much. He hasn't done the research and having the Dr. explain stuff helped him a lot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Decided I was too young to continue to live like this. Would rather die than just stay stuck in the house, unable to do any living. I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through research on the internet and talking with my doctor.

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?

There are probably worse things in life than being fat and some will probably disagree with me but unless the complications are worse than the daily pain I live with now, I'm really not concerned with complications and if I die, won't I be better off in Heaven?

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?

For the most part, pretty supportive. My mom had the biggest problem until she met someone who was VERY successful with the surgery. Now she's all for it!!!

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

Don't work - too many health issues.

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

Presbyterian-St. Luke's in Denver was absolutely wonderful. I was there for 2 days. The most important things for me was lotion, chapstick, robe, slippers, reading materials (can only watch TV for so long!) and toiletries.

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

No complications, everything was textbook. (Thank God!)

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 to quit smoking so I focused on that. That gave me more anxiety than the surgery. I've had so many surgeries I was pretty sure this was going to be okay. I figured if I died, that was better than living fat and depressed cuz that wasn't really living.

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

A LOT of mood swings, questioning yourself, self-pity, fear, "Am I doing this right?", "Did the surgeon make any mistakes?", "How come I'm not losing faster?", "It's not going to work for me!". Just have faith, do what your doctor tells you and FOLLOW THE NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES!!! Get your protein, water, vitamins and HAVE FAITH! It will work for you if you are doing what you're told.

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

I traveled 250 miles from Palisade to Denver. I have to return in 2 weeks which is standard for everyone. My husband is wonderful and does the driving so for me, no ill effects.

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.

At first, just liquids, then I had high protein choc pudding, cottage cheese, protein shakes (measuring, weighing, tracking EVERYTHING to make sure I got in my protein amount). I also ate pork rinds for cruch/cheating factor. It helped. Couldn't eat dry foods like chicken breast, scrambled eggs - actually, still can't five years later. Go figure!

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

Walked 15 minutes 2x/day, gradually increasing time and incline of treadmill to eventually get to 1/2 hour 2x/day.

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

A, all B's, C, D, calcium, multi's, iron, magnesium, everything under the sun but don't take any now. Got sick of swallowing so many pills, wanted to see if it made a difference. My bloodwork came back fine so I quit. It was costing over $100/month and that's just a little more than I want to spend when I'm already spending $500/month on meds.

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?

Vomiting - if I ate too fast, if food was too dry, or if it was too cold, if I didn't wait the 1/2 hour from drinking before eating or if I over-ate - I could be sure it was coming back up and FAST! This went on for the first year and I still will have problems once and a while even now 5 years out. I coped by paying attention to what and how I ate better and my family helps (they remind/ask me, too). This is actually a great help as sometimes I forget I'm not "normal"!

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

The insurance AND finding the surgeon. I didn't know anybody who had surgery so I couldn't get a referal. I just had to go on luck but thankfully God led me to a great surgeon and a wonderful staff who helped me go through my health records (not an easy task - over 200 pgs), find out if I would qualify because of health issues (my BMI wasn't quite high enough - only 37...), helped me writed the letters and jump through all the hoops with the insurance and here I am alive & kicking!

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

There was none available at the time I had my surgery here where I live. Now there is a surgeon available and a support group or two, from what I understand. I don't know too much as I'm not really a "group" kind of person.

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

I just had 4 or 5 1/2" incisions which I can't even see now as my skin is so loose and with the stretch marks from my kids, they've kinda blended in. I actually expected it to be worse. Dr. Brown did an excellent job!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit goal (140#) at 9 mos, stayed there for 2 years, then lost 15 pounds (125#) after have rotator cuff surgery and not being able to move my right arm for 12 weeks. I now currently go between 121# and 125# (usually depending on if I have emptied my bowels or not!)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sorry - I don't really pay attention.