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

I first found out via the media. It was on television, celebrities having it done. Then people I knew were having it done - it became more common. My first impression of it was that this was a major procedure and a big decision if chosen to do.

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

I was very lucky because my insurance covered this treatment 100% and I met the criteria with no problems. My advice is to definitely talk to your insurance to find out exactly what they pay on every angle of this treatment.

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

My first visit was very pleasant. He was able to answer my questions easily. I would write any questions you have for the surgeon so you ask everything you want to, and do not be embarrassed about asking anything. They will be glad to answer.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live again, to be free of health problems and I believe this would be the best way to help me achieve this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After consulting with the bariatrician, asking questions to learn more about the different procedures and weighing the process and results made me decide.

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 never thought of having any negative outcomes from surgery. I always thought positive. There are risks we take everyday in very simple acts we do every single day - but we don't dwell on them, we move forward and think positive, have trust and believe.

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 and friends were supportive of my decision. And they continue to be supportive after surgery. I would not do anything different.

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 also supportive and told me to do what you need to do. I took off one month from work, but am still able to do email communication which keeps all of us happy.

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

No problems, very well taken care of. Stayed 3 days. Loose clothes and warm robe and booties.

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

No complications immediately post op.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

More worried about my family. I was excited and ready.

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

You are learning how to eat again in a totally new way. You do need to take sick leave from work so that you can learn to properly eat and even function daily. Learn to eat slowly, eat the right amount, eat at timed intervals, drink your required liquids, etc.

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

I had to travel about 100 miles to another city. I live on an island and had to fly to another island. Traveling was not difficult but was costly, luckily covered under my insurance.

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 could not eat foods that were dense, or dry. They did not stay down or get processed at all. Cooked meats could not be eaten. Cheese, yogurt and soup were my best friends, and oatmeal. Most foods, I didn't even have an appetite for. I still can't eat noodles.

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

I really had no limits to my activity. I had to take it slow for the first 2 to 3 weeks but after that, I exercised full on.

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

Immediately post op, I followed the vitamin suggestions from my doctor and kept to it. About a year out, I switched to another vitamin supplement. I make sure to keep up with required vitamin intake.

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?

Nausea - from the smell of certain food dishes - rarely. Vomiting - if eat too fast, if eat too dry or dense foods - often, until you learn what your body can take. Slight sleep disturbance - few hours of sleep, waking often and earlier - sometimes. Dumping - only once - eating too sweet (high in sugar)- then I never did it again because dumping is horrible. Hair loss - 2 to 3 months post op - lasted a few months - not that bad as long as try to get your protein intake. Just did my best to cope and learn how to eat again.

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

Not being able to join family and friends for social events. Because most social events involve eating and early post op dealing with learning to eat, I did not want to discuss all my new issues. This was difficult to deal with and learn how to overcome.

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

I chose a comprehensive weight management program that lasts 5 years. I believe very important to assist with any post op issues and to keep me on track.

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

Very minimal scars. 6 little dots is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Now 2 years out, I would still like to lose 10 pounds, with no success, so I believe it is a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very different treatment. I receive stares and second looks from men.