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

Through the Institute for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery website. I was apprehensive in proceeding but went to an informational session and felt at ease.

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

I had no problem at all with getting insurance approval but did have to wait three months before being reviewed. I had to work with a nutritionist for three months before being approved.

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

My first visit with Dr. G was very comfortable and informative. If you come prepared with your questions and concerns, you will feel more in control.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All of the health conditions that I developed made me think about getting the surgery and then once I met the staff, I was convinced this was the way to go for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was a mutual decision between Dr. G and myself based on the results of all of the testing done.

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 really did not have any fears of complications. I turned it over to Dr. G and said my prayers!

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?

Most of my family and friends were very supportive but there were some that were apprehensive. Everyone was completely supportive after the surgery.

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

My employer/supervisor were very supportive and offered whatever assistance or time I needed. Since I work from home, I was only out of work for one week.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was scary attending that first meeting not sure if I was making the right decision. Yes, I was very glad I attended to get all of my questions answered.

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

My stay was short and had no complications. I was there for 1.5 days. I brought reading material about the procedure as well as magazines to get my mind off of the procedure.

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

I only got sick once from eating so I have been very fortunate with no complications.

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 anxious waiting for the actual day to approach. I walked a lot and read material on the process to ease my fears.

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

The first two weeks were stange in that you develop a new way of looking at food. It was no longer my savior and I was able to live without it! It was a tough time with the medication since you had to crush tablets but it went by fast.

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

The hospital was about 30 minutes from my house.

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 had a hard time with bread and rice as well as broccoli. Carbs are hard to digest too and that is what I ate the most before surgery. Each week you got stronger and tried new foods and found what you liked and no longer cared for.

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

My activity level drastically increased as the time went on after surgery.

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

I take the Calcium Citrate three times a day along with Vitamin D and Multi Vitamins and Iron and B+.

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?

I lost some hair but not that it was noticable to anyone. I did experience dumping once but that was it. I have been very fortunate.

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

The worst part was the day after the surgery when you had the upper GI done. Having to swallow that liquid as your first drink was scary!

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

I go back to the center on scheduled intervals and it has been very rewarding to make so many friends and companions at the center.

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

I only have six small incisions and they healed very quickly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at a plateau now and have not lost any weight in two weeks. I am nine months out from my surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice I get more attention now and people comment more on my weight loss.