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

I dreaded it. I wouldn't hear of it... until I had emergency abdominal surgery for something else and realized that surgery was all that bad... bad, but doable. I had a friend who had it and she was doing wonderful, so I decided to give it a shot.

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

I was a self pay, unfortunately

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

Short and sweet. He didn't make me beg or jump through hoops. He understood that I had made my mind up, and that we were going to do this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 23 years old, and I had trouble putting my shoes on. I couldn't go from here to there without weazing. I wanted my life back.

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 knew what I had to do, and I figured it couldn't be any worse than slowly dying of being severely morbidly obese at the age of 23.

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?

They were all very supportive... but I didn't give them much room not to be.

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

They were very supportive, and gave me all the time off I needed. I was out of work for 8 weeks.

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

I was in for 5 days, 4 nights. I spent 3 of the days in ICU. Everything was fine, except that they kept me on the breathing tube for about 7 hours after the surgery. I was miserable and hadn't expected it. As far as things to bring, chapstick, saline nose spray, and your glasses.

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

Rest. Don't push yourself. Sleep. Give your body time to deal with the trauma you've just put it through.

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

about 70 miles. It didn't affect it 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.

Eggs are no longer my friend. I can eat Egg Beaters, however, and an omelette made with Egg Beaters and some cheese is a great source of protein, and it's gooey and wonderful! I can't eat creamed soups. Basically, I have trouble with fatty things, but not sugar. I throw up pretty quickly if the things don't agree with me.

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

It was slow to start, but now (3 months out), I often wake up before my alarm, exercise, and then work a full day, and run errands after work. In the beginning, all I did was sleep. That's ok, though. You need it.

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

I try to get in some flax seeds (about a tablespoon a day), and I take 2 Flinstone vitamins a day also.

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?

vomiting is the worst. You just know you have to get to a bathroom... no matter where you are, or who you're with. They still persist every once in awhile, but not often, and I just try to not push my limits or try untested foods when I'm out somewhere I'd rather not get sick at. :o)

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

I have several online support groups... and they are essential to my well-being. I don't know what I'd do without someone who empathizes.

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

Actually, besides it being very long, it's already smooth, and my surgeon did a perfect job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There was one two-week period in my second month where I only lost 6 lbs, which disappointed me,... but then I lost 24 in the nexr 4 weeks, so I guess I made up for it!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes,... and I guess it's both flattering, and disappointing. You want to believe it doesn't make a difference, but it does. On a good note, though... I like being noticed in a positive way already. I'm happily married, but it's nice to feel admired every once in awhile, you know?