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

My mother found out about it(I don't know how) and told myself and my husband. She really wanted to do it, and has since been thrilled with her results so far. At first I thought the idea too drastic, too risky, but after seeing two family members and their happiness after surgery, I think it may be much more worthwhile than I originally thought. It's a wonderful possibility for those of us who feel out of control and helpless...hopeless. It means hope that we can lead a better life.

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

I fought my insurance company 4 months for approval...and now i have it..For anyone else doing this...make sure you tell your doctor EVERYTHING...don't forget anything about your weight loss attempts. If you do, you'll have to fight that much harder...that's what happened to me. Get info you think they won't ask for...if you saw a doctor for weight loss, get the records, get testimony from any doctor or psychologist who thinks this will be right for you...all this will help.

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

The first visit was a bit nerve wracking...but went well. My surgeon is very thorough and straight forward...make sure you have a list of questions about how to know if you are a candidate for the WLS...ask about the doctor's background in WLS, ask about how they run their pre- and post-op programs.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I first thought it too drastic, but my mom and my aunt both did it winter 2001...and both are SO much healthier and happier now. My mom has lost over 150lbs. I hope this will finally give me the body, energy, and active life I want. I'm looking to be happier with my appearance and my health, to feel better in my physical body and in my emotional self, too.

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

The Medical College in Toledo Ohio was great! I was very well taken care of! I only stayed overnight, and only needed the absolute barest essentials while I was there.

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

When I found out I had been approved and had a surgery date, I was beyond excited. My real anxiety didn't start to set in until about a week before, and the morning of surgery was the toughest. The staff at the hospital was very good to me about my fear. They were understanding and helpful. Listening to my favorite music helped on the long drive to the hospital, too.

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

The first few weeks were tough. It wasn't easy hurting and being so tired all the time. It also wasn't easy to watch other people eating normally, but for me, it was better to just bite it and learn to cope by hitting it headon. For those who've just had surgery, this is the time when you really start to wonder if you've done the right thing, and I did my fair share of wondering and crying. It does pass.

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

I had to travel almost two and a half hours between home and the hospital where my surgeon was at. Not really a problem thanks to my husband doing the driving.

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.

For months, I couldn't eat anything sweet, couldn't handle noodles and such, couldn't handle things like potatoes. At 13 months post-op, I still can only eat these things in moderation. No more fast food, it's tastless. Greasy foods don't sit well with me, and I rarely drink milk. Other than that, just about everything can be tolerated in small portions. I have become partial to chicken and juice...and I drink more coffee than anything. It seems to sit easiest in my stomach.

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

During the first two weeks after surgery, it was hard to get around at all, mostly because of the fact that I felt so drained. I didn't have too much pain, but my energy was so low, I felt like sitting constantly, and mostly only did the required walking. As time went on, I gradually got better.

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

I've been taking a basic multi-vitamin and B12.

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?

Luckily, I've had only moderate nausea from time to time, absolutely no vomiting, and have only been through dumping once, which was within the first week of surgery. Once my pain and healing was basically over, I was able to sleep normally. The hair loss was the worst. Having very think, very long hair, I had a lot of trouble, and ended up cutting most of it off. happily, I like my new hairstyle. Since the surgery, my hair loss has gotten better and is minimal now.

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

Overall...I'd say the worst was the time after surfery when I felt to tired and couldn't get comfortable anywhere. I eventually reached a point where I wanted to get up and around and didn't really have the energy to do so. Once that period ended, I was doing great! Aside from that, the worst part of the ENTIRE experience was actually the battle with the insurance company. Once I had been approved, everything was seen in a much more positive light.

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

I got lucky enough to have a laproscopic surgery, so instead of one large scar, I have six very small ones. The largest was actually no more than an inch, if that. Now, after a year, they are faded and barely noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Having reached a year post-op, I seem to have slowed in my weight loss, which actually isn't much of a surprise considering I was smaller than a lot of patients who go through this. All in all though, I've made incredible progress, and have never been happier with the way I look or feel!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. People are more likely to make nice comments about my appearance, and I don't mind if I catch someone looking at me in public. Before I used to think they were staring because of my weight, now I think it's possible they could actually be looking at me!