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

My PCP recommended it to me everytime I saw him. I told him NO thank you, I'm not interested, and everytime I saw him he brought it up again. That lasted about a year, until he finally wore me down.

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

I was EXTREMELY lucky, because I was approved in 24 hours. I guess the insurance company figured that in the long run they would be saving money.

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

I was TOTALLY pleased with him. He had me fill out a complete history about myself and my families health issues. We spent about 1 hour discussing my family and my issues. He explained everything and recommended that I attend one of his seminars concerning the surgery. I was completely at ease with him from the very start. I would tell people to give your doctor the most info you can, because the more they know about you and your family history, the better they can serve you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My first meeting with the surgeon, convinced me that I had to have it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that since I have so much to lose, that the best way for me to go was with RNY. My surgeon agreed totally with my reasons.

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 was scared to death! I was pertified to be sedated, I didn't think that they would be able to bring me out. No matter what I say, people are going to have fears, it's human nature, fear of the unknown. I came through with flying colors.

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?

There were several members of my family and friends who were against me having surgery. I told them that the surgery was for ME, and I was afraid of what would happen to me if I didn't have the surgery. They understood my reasons and came around. In the hospital, they meet my surgeon and were MORE than satified with him. I could not ask for greater support.

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

I don't work a 9 to 5 job, I'm a cantor in a Catholic Church and it took me about 1 month to be able to stand for the length of a mass.

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

I was very happy with the care I recieved. I was in the hospital for 4 days. A comfortable robe and slippers, as well as a chapstick.

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

No, 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?

In the first few weeks, I was very sore. My staples were VERY uncomfortable, but once they were removed, I felt like a new woman. I had no anxiety.

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

Pain from the stiches or staples, no matter how you move, it affects your stomach, and it HURTS.

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

Not far, about 10 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 was on a liquid diet for 4 weeks after surgery and added food in stages, until I was 8 weeks out and then I could try anything I wanted, ( within reason ). I ate alot of scrambled eggs, soup, believe it or not turkey chili, meatloaf, lean hamburgers, anything crumbly or soft. I am 5 months out and still can not eat chicken, anything extremely greasy or sweet, pasta ( except soup size or elbows ) and rice.

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

In the beginning, it was tough moving around, but at my 3 month check up, I was given the OK to join a gym. I joined Curves and have been doing GREAT. I have SO much more energy.

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

I take Viactiv calcium chews, B-12, chewable multi-vitamins with iron and chewable vitamin C. In addition, I take medication for acid reflux.

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?

Depending on what I ate, I occasionally got queasy and would throw up. It was worse in the beginning, when I was first going back on food, it lasted about 1 month and NOT everyday. I haven't slept better in a LONG time, and so far have had NO hair loss. I've been coping VERY well.

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

For me the worst part was waiting out the 2 weeks to have my staples removed.

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

My surgeon has a support group meeting every other month, and it is REALLY important to go and speak to people who have been where you are, and exchange stories.

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

I had my surgury done laproscopically, so I have 5 small scars, and yes, it is exactly what I expected, because that's what my surgeon told me to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet. I still have a LONG way to go.