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

I am a RN. Knew a little about it. Researched for greater than 2 years prior to seeking out a surgeon.

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

Denied by my insurance x 1. Then the insurance company wrote it as an exclusion to my policy. Had to pay cash but would do it again if I had to..........the surgery has made such a positive change to my life.

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

exciting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Ready before I met my surgeon but the bond between us sealed the deal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Only one he offered.

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?

none.

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?

Very supportive. I think this is very important.

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

Out 1 week. Didn't tell my supervisor initially. Used vacation time. I did finally tell the last day I was working prior to the surgery. Very supportive of me.

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

A piece of cake. No complications........I think this has a lot to do with being mentally prepared for the procedure and the permanent lifestyle change associated with GB. Most important thing to bring is a positive attitude and a support system (spouse).

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

No.

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

Scheduled as soon as possible. Anticipation was the only emotion I felt. Ready, ready, ready!

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

Must exercise as much as possible and drink water. Excitement - the weight just melted away quickly. Lost 100 lbs in 6 months. Wow!

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

2.5 hours. I continue to follow up with my surgeon routinely. I think this is very important.

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?

Lost approx 1/2 my hair (thank goodness I had a lot to start with). It all grew back though within 6 months.. I was taking 500 mcg of biotin to help prevent it but it happened anyway.

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

gas pain for a couple of days post op.

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

Support groups monthly. Very instrumental to success.

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

Laparoscopically done so you can't even see the small incisional scars now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have only lost 20 lbs since the first 100 came off but I only had 120 to lose. Made my goal weight and have maintained now for 1 year. I exercise with weight training 3 times a week religiously.......I think this is the key for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Get lots of 'looks' but it doesn't bother me.