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

I thought I would never go that far. I didn't understand, and I myself thought that I needed more willpower. I finally resigned myself to the fact this would be my way of life until it was over.

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 problems.

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

It was a group meeting at first. Then the surgeon talked with each of us individually. I felt good about the information and compassion of both he and is staff.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had reached the end of the line. One day at my daughter's ball practice I was asked if I wanted a team shirt. I said yes and of course had to give a size. The lady told me she used to wear that size. When I asked how she lost hers (she looked great)she said she had WLS. I started asking questions of everyone I knew that had it from that point. I was surprised at how many there were!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the only one the surgeon did (RNY). He explained the disadvantages of both RNY and banding. I wanted RNY.

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 had the normal fears of dying or not coming out from the anesthesia. I had been put under twice before and the side effects were not pleasant. I discussed this with the anesthesiologist before the surgery. I had no problems. I would tell other people to try and not be afraid, and try to focus on the outcome and long-range benefits.

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 husband supported me 100%. I didn't tell my parents or oldest daughter, because of the worry and stress. There are heart problems in my family and I didn't want to add to them,

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

They were supportive. I have a desk job, and my doctor allowed me to go back to work after 2 weeks. I have a co-worker who has told me he is watching my progress to make his decision to have/not have the surgery!

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

My hospital stay was pleasent enough. I was there 4 days. My surgery was on Friday morning (7:30). My husband was there, but my youngest daughter was in school. They allowed both of them to spend the weekend with me.

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

I had no complications after surgery, other than trying to walk. I was so big anyway, and couple that with an IV and drugs, you really don't feel like walking very much!

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 was numb I guess. I received my do's and don't's for the day before surgery. I had something to focus on. I really didn't think about it - until I checked in! There was nothing else for me to do but lay there and think about it.

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

I was a little dopey for a few days - the drugs wearing off. I had to learn what my limit was, and dumped quite a bit. My husband took off a week to help me. After a week I was driving my daughter to school.

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

90 miles. It didn't affect my aftercare at all.

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 two weeks I had an all liquid diet. After two weeks, I could add little by little, semi-liquids. After 6 weeks weeks I could have real food again. I can't eat pastrami, and baked potatoes will cause me to dump. Beef doesn't bother me at all.

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

Slow going at first. After I went back to work, the weight seemed to come off faster. I have to walk a lot, and that helped my energy level.

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

I take two Little Super-Vita Boost every day. The big ones are just too big. I break all the pills. I haven't yet tried capsules. I also have 2 Tums a day for the calcium benefits.

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 only have nausia when I bring it on myself. I have had vomiting twice. I have had no sleep disturbances (it's improved!) and no hair loss.

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

TESTING!

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

I have my family, friends and co-workers.

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

It's larger than I expected, but then again, my gallbladder was removed. It really doesn't matter to me, though. I have uglier stretch marks!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I don't know if I could describe it as plateau. I will lost between 2 and 3 lbs, then sort of jump back and forth in that area, then drop again. It's become a pattern. I don't care as long as it's going down!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They've noticed that my slacks were baggy. By the time I finally bought more, I had gone down three sizes. I've had several flattering comments.