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

My new endocrinologist told me about it. I never thought it was for me. I new I was heavy, but . . . I called my primary doctor, and he was meeting with the doctor that was to become my surgeon that same week. So my stars were aligned!

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

The first meeting I was a little nervous. My mom went with me. They described the whole program, and then told me that I needed to make about 7 doctors appointments - cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. At first I was a little overwhelmed - I had avoided a physical for years! But I left his office feeling excited about the whole thing, and that finally I was doing something about my life. You shouldn't be afraid to ask any questions you may have - nothing is stupid. This is major surgery, and you are risking your life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being diagnosed with diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only perform roux-en-y surgery. I didn't know I had it done laproscopically until I woke up in the recovery room!

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 really thought about the after effects of the surgery. The anesthesia scared me the most, and I think I even started to tear up when I was on the operating table and they were putting the oxygen mask over my face. I figured if I could live through the surgery, everything else would be a piece of cake!

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 entire and extended family were extremely supportive. Now when we have get togethers, they call me to see if there's anything special I'd like them to make (or not make!). I only told my closest friends - they were also supportive. I avoided telling people that I knew would 'gossip'. The people that I wanted to know were going to hear bout it from me.

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

I was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, and went home Thursday evening. I couldn't have asked for better nurses. They really took care of me. The only stuff I made sure I had at the hospital were comfortable clothes for when I left the hospital.

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

The day after my surgery, I spiked a fever and I threw up a few times. The doctor/nurses gave me something for the nausea and for the pain once I was removed from the morphine drip. Also, because I was diabetic (type 2), my blood sugar was constantly monitored, and I was give insulin shots when needed.

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 spoke to someone that already had the surgery, and I also attended support meetings. I wasn't really nervous about the eating - I was more nervous about the anesthesia. I just kept telling myself that in the long run I was helping myself.

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

The first few weeks were rough. I slept in a recliner for the first week, and then I started sleeping in my bed. I would usually wake up during the night and move over to the recliner. By week 3 I was sleeping in my bed the entire night. I tried to do as much walking as possible - doing laps in my backyard became routine. I did suffer with a lot of back pain - I think it was from sleeping in the recliner. I would need help getting up sometimes, so it was a good thing that someone was always home with me.

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

The hospital was only about 30 minutes from my home. My doctor's office is located on the hospital premises too.

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.

Week 1 I only ate yogurt, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. By the second week I was eating a slice of deli meat with melted cheese on top, and the occasional spoonfuls of soup/soup broth. I guess around the third week I started to try small pieces of meat. I was very lucky - I never had any problems with protein, dairy, etc. I was able to tolerate everything I tried. At one point, I couldn't stop craving a chocolate chip cookie. So, we made one and I ate half. I didn't have any problems, and this satisfied my craving. Once I started back to work (6 weeks), I started to have some problems. I got sick a few times on stuff I had eaten before, but I think it was a combination of the food and nerves. I often have trouble with carbs (breads, etc.) so I stay away from them. For breakfast, I will have some cottage cheese with fruit, yogurt with some bran, or a few spoons of cereal. For lunch I will have yogurt, or a small salad with cheese and chicken. I try to keep everything light while I'm at work. Then my dinner usually consists of a meat and a veggie (usually beans or brocolli). If I snack, I have some cheese, and sometimes I have a few bites of fruit. It's weird, but you know when you're ready to advance to a new food.

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

Each day I walked a little more. If it was really hot outside, I walked on a treadmill. By the 5th week, I was walking 4 to 5 miles on trails near my home.

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

Right now, I only take a multi-vitamin every morning. I go for bloodwork next month to determine if I need to take anything else.

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 experienced nausea during week 6 - 8. I would have eaten 3 bites of something and knew I was going to be sick. I walked around as much as I could until I got sick. Then I would just drink liquids, and eat some yogurt when I felt up to it. I also experience a lot of energy at night, so I don't get as much sleep as I would like.

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

The worse part is not knowing what's going to make you sick and when you're going to get sick. I've eaten chicken dozens of times, and I've also gotten sick from it. Otherwise, no other complaints!

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

I try to attend as many of the support groups that I can at the hospital (they're once a month). I've also met a lot of people on the web, and exchanging messages with them really helps.

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

I have 5 little scars - and every once in a while, I experience some discomfort. It's a small price that I had to pay! I've been told by many that they fade.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've reached several plateaus - and that's when I do my best to increase my liquid (water, diet snapple) intake. I also try to increase my exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No