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

I worked in the medical field and heard it about it from some surgeons.

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

I had to pay cash and go out of the country for the surgery. My ins would not pay.

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

The hospital I was in was very clean and I got better care there than I ever have here in the states. I was there for 4 days. Bring undergarments and comfortable clothes and maybe some lotion and slippers.

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

No, I breezed right through. I felt like nothing was done to me I was up and around right after surgery.

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 only had 2 weeks to prepare for the date. I was very anxious about the flight though. I was not worried about the surgery. I do not know why.

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

Just trying to get on a routine and trying to figure out what the pouch and body will tolerate. A lot of ups and downs. Atleast for me. I mourned food and was angry. But it passed real quick.

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

A 2.5 hour flight. I stayed long enough to recoup before getting back on the plane to come home. It did not effect me. I was very happy with the way things turned out.

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 stayed on soft diet when I got home. I did that for I think a month then ate whatever I tolerated. I have dumped once on slim fast and chicken made me throw up. Other than that I eat what I want when I want. I am realizing I can eat a little more and I am not so nauseated all the time.

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

I stayed very active even though I got tired real easy. But did what ever I wanted to.

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

Flinstone chewables. I have ordered all my other vitamins and another multi and they are on their way to me. I cant stand the flinstones anymore.

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, insomnia, dumping (once), and I am losing my hair, thank goodness I have a lot of hair. Everything just worked itself out. I just would lay down when I felt crappy and it would pass. Then one day I wolke up and I felt good and the nausea was gone. I still have problems with sleep sometimes. The hair has it's own agenda.

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

Mourning my best friend (food). I was angry and sad. Thank goodness it lasted for just a couple of weeks. Now I can careless about food. I have not eaten at a resturaunt or any fast food in over 3 months. I can honestly say it dont bother me anymore.

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

I have family and my mom had hers done in Feb of this year. I talk to my grandma a lot. She is my rock. It is important I think to have people around you that are only positive in your decision to have the surgery. If they are not they need to leave your life. I would rather talk to my family then talk to a room full of strangers just not me.

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

Scars are very minimal. They look better than I thought they would. It does not matter anyway. I am 33 yrs old and I will never get the body back I had in my ealry 20's so I dont look at them as a bad thing. It reminds me where I started and where I am going. They actualy help me stay on track.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on my 3 plateau in 10weeks. I know if I keep doing what i am doing then the weight will come off. I know I am not going to gain it. I dont eat enough, and I exercise for the first time over 15yrs. I know it is temporary and it wont last forever. I try to stay positive. My body needs to rest and catch up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No