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

I had a friend who had the RNY about 5 years ago and I watched her become the incredible shrinking woman.

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

My insurance had a specific exclusion so I didn't try. I decided that my health was worth the price of a new car - and I don't have to worry about someone dinging it in the parking lot.

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

My surgeon went through all the information necessary and I was able to ask intelligent questions because I had done my homework before the meeting. The internet has a wealth of information on the different procedures and their risks and benefits. Be prepared and make a list of questions and concerns. Make sure you pick the right surgeon - ask for recommendations.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A friend of mine encouraged me - she also had the surgery. In retrospect, I didn't really acknowledge just how far I had let things go.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research. I liked the fact that there is less reconfiguration in the vertical sleeve and felt that this was the best 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?

I didn't fear dying - I leave things like that up to God. Do your research and trust your surgeon. After that you just leave it up to God.

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 was very supportive even though some of them were quite frightened by the prospect. Those that were unsure bombarded me with options. Now that I have been through it with no adverse effects, they are all very supportive of the new me.

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

My employer was very supportive of my decision which was very helpful because I had to pay for it myself - our insurance doesn't cover the procedure. I was off work for about 2 weeks after surgery.

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

I was in the hospital for a day. They treated me very well and addressed my needs.

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

I had acid reflux before the surgery and still have issues with it that are mostly controlled by medication. I anticipate this resolving as the weight comes off.

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 continue to feel elated with the results and this helps to deal with any issues you might have. The biggest thing you have to deal with is what to do with your time. Eating no longer is the focus of your day.

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

I rested a lot. There is some nausea and you have to relearn how to eat. The first few weeks are mostly liquids and soft foods. Just way less of them.

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

My hospital is 30 minutes away from my home.

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.

The biggest challenge is mental. I was so eager to start eating that I rushed it and that leads to vomiting. Once I got the mindset going, the thing that is interesting is your tastes totally change. Before surgery, I really didn't care for fish - preferred chicken. After surgery, chicken tends to make me hurl and fish is good? Go figure. The other issue is the social aspect of eating. What do you do with yourself after you finish your 5-10 bites while everyone else is still eating. How do you order at the restaurant.

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

I was able to start walking the day of surgery. As the weight has come off, the activity level continues to increase.

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

I take a daily multi-vitamin and supplemental calcium.

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?

Since I chose the vertical sleeve, I don't have to deal with dumping - which is a blessing. I do have some nausea and if I choose the wrong food or eat too much, there is vomiting. I began to experience hair loss at about 3 months - hopefully it will stabilize soon. I got a shorter haircut so I wouldn't notice the handfuls in the shower so much.

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

I haven't found it yet.

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

Rancho has 2-3 options for support group and I highly recommend getting involved. It is great to have a roomful of people encourage and support you. It is also very helpful to hear from others about solutions to specific issues.

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

I have 5 very small incisions spread over my abdomen. I teasingly say they are where I got "shot". They are very minimal and will fade with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had 2-3 plateau's since my surgery. It is very frustrating, but if you look at the big picture... Give your body a chance to catch up. I have never lost this much weight - period. Not to mention in this amount of time. This is also a great time to get advice from your support group. They have many suggestions for breaking the plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't know if they treat me different or if I feel different. All I know is that I go around with a big smile on my face now.