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

My wonderful, wonderful doctor (Dr. B. Huppert) suggested it to me. I had gone to him really concerned and determined to do something about my weight and this was his suggestion. Since I was determined that I wanted something permanent, the idea was not to far-fetched for me. Scary yes, but not outrageous.

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

Insurance approval went relatively smoothly. I don't know if I could advise anyone else because as with insurance, everyone's situation is different. If I were to advise, make sure you certainly qualify first. Have prepared all the "evidence" that shows that you have exhausted many other weight loss methods without success and work with your doctor.

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

The hospital stay was ok. I was in for about 4 days and during that time I had to adjust to not being able to do for myself (cause if the staff is busy .. you just have to wait). The most important thing to bring is in my opinion is a comfortable bed sheet. I got a rash from the hospital sheets.

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

My surgeon told me that there were a few complications, but did not go into detail. Everything was fine once I woke up so there was no need to dwell on them.

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 happy that I got the date... then scared to death!! Fortunately for me, my surgeon had to cancel the original date of surgery and pushed it up a week. Somehow this calmed me down knowing that my life is not in my control. By the time the actual surgery date came up, I was very calm. I was actually comforting my parents who had very scared looks on their faces.

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

My first weeks home were ok. I had people dropping in on me and calling constantly to check up on me. I was able to get around pretty easily (very important to kinda push yourself to start walking when you are in the hospital). No problems feeding, or cleaning myself. I was not as tired as I expected to be and the pain was minimal. I only took pain meds once while recouperating at home. The roughest part was sleeping. Im not a back sleeper so that was very uncomfortable. It took about 3 weeks to be able to sleep on my side without jumping up for fear that I would roll over on my tummy. But that subsides!! Thankfully!

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

Not too far. I live in Brooklyn, and my surgery was in Staten Island, just about right over the bridge.

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 think everyone should get some type of diet progression from their surgeon. For me it was clear liquids for about a week, then "full" liquids about another week. At week 3 I added soft foods, and continued to pureed foods even till now. Not all my foods are pureed though. Im currently at 10-1/2 wks post op and can tolerate most foods. I have noticed that I am not able to tolerate pasta (namely macaroni and cheese) as well as I used to. Bummer! I have not had any dumping or it has not been severe but then I really do avoid sugar at all costs.

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

I attended my hospitals support group but I found that the OSSG support group is much better. You get a lot of encouragement and feedback to your questions on a daily basis. The OSSG group is great.

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

My scar is about 4-1/2" and parts of it already seem to be hardly noticeable. I didnt really have any expectations about the scar. I have had surgery before so I know they heal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had 2 plateaus that lasted about 2 weeks .. I believe Im on one now. EXPECT IT and you won't be so disappointed. they do stop and from what I hear you lose inches even when you are not losing #'s. I don't know this for certain yet cause I just measured myself for the first time last week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

So far I have gotten so many compliments. People seem to be a little more friendlier to me. For example, there was this bus driver that i take on my way to work. Every morning, and because I am the person that I am, I would say good morning. He would never respond. However, for the past couple of days, he has become Mr. Conversation. As good as the attention feels sometime, it does bother me cause I know I have not changed so much (personality wise) that would warrant this sudden niceness.