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

I had done a lot of research on the internet. My first response was -- wow, this could actually work for me!!

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

I have a heart condition that is worsened by my weight, so I had no problems getting approved the first time though.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was excellent. He explained all details to me, and made me feel very comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

my children. I want to be as healthy as I can possible be for them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

from all that I have read, I chose to have rny gastric bypass, because it seemed like the right choice for me.

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?

This is major surgery, and I would be lying if I said that I didnt have any fears. It's only natural to be scared. I have even thought about the posibility that I could die from the procedure.

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?

All of my friends have been supportive. I was honest with them about having the procedure, and they all support me.

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

not employed

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

I will be totally honest and say that while I have no regrets whats so ever, my hospital stay was not a pleasant one. I woke up in recovery with the worst pain of my life. My IV site had blown, so i was not receiving any pain meds. Once they fixed it things were better. However, the nurses were so understaffed that it took them longer to attend to the needs of patients. Thing I found inportant to take were: slippers, robe, my own toiletries, CHAPSTICK!! magazines, mps player with headphones. I plugged the headphones into my TV so I would not disturb my roomie, a journal if you are recording your journey. I think women should bring their own sanitary napkins, I happen to start my cycle the morning of my surgery. Also, bring loose, comfy clothes and a big pillow or stuffed aniamal to hold on your incision during the ride home.

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

I developed pneumonia, so I was on IV antibiotics and full oxygen for a few days. Once discharded, I was sent home with liquid antibiotics.

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 felt pretty rough for the first week. After that, things slowly went back to "normal". I was able to do more and more as the days passed. My advice is to take it slow at first, listen to your body so you dont over do. Give yourself time to heal.

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

With each passing week, things started getting pretty easy for me. I began to have more energy and pep, and with each pound i take off, I feel so much joy.

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

The hospital and bariatric program that I chose is about a 45 min drive away. I didnt mind having to travel for my appointments because it is all worth it.

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

I was pretty sedentary the first week, after that I would increase my daily activity slowly. At about 3 weeks out, I can honestly say that I did not even feel as though I had major surgery.

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

I get vitamin b12 shots every three months, I take 4 citracal a day and I take 2 flintstones chewable vitamins a day.

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

I am a member of Obesity Help, and have found some of the most wonderful, caring support ever there. The support I have received has really gotten me some rought times.

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

It is a little darker than I anticipated, but I healed well, and I have no complaints. A scar is a small price to pay for a healthier life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

luckily for me, my weight loss has been steady and I have not hit any plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get a lot more glances and compliments now.