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

I heard of a lady who had the surgery and was transformed. I wanted to find out if I could do it, once I read up on it, I began to have some hope for a fat free future.

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

Insurance wasn't an issue, we got our documentation ready and the hospital and doctor's facility handled it all, I had an answer in less than 2 weeks and was ready to go.

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

He was wonderful, he made me feel very hopeful and he spent over 2 hours with me and I felt very informed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The idea that I was going to harm my liver (I had fatty liver ) and cause my children to grow up with un unhealthy and terribly depressed mother sealed the deal for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only had the choice for an open RNY and so that was my only option. Now, my mom has the choice for this or the lap band and I am pushing her for bypass because it is permanent and I wouldn't want it any other way, I can't imagine losing weight and dealing with this again, I feel so liberated knowing my procedure is permanent.

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?

Make sure you have a good doctor and don't look back, obesity will kill you either by physical means now or later, WLS is much less risky thatn keeping the weight on or by losing it and gaining it back, fix your body and forget it! Pray to ease your fears but be brave and get through with it.

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?

At first they thought I was crazy but now, they understand and agree completely and my mom is even going to do it!!!

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

Not applicable, I was a stay at home mom and still am.

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

I was there for 5 days, it was nice, quiet and comfortable. I didn't bring anything, I just rested and focused on maintaining my strength. Bring a phone card and cell phone to talk to friends and family.

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

Well, the lab goofed and I was 6 weeks pregnant at the time of my surgery but other than that, no problems. I recovered fine and delivered a healthy boy at 37 weeks and lost 120 lbs.

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 excited but read everything I could to ease anxiety. Hearing other people's stories and successes helped as did prayer.

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

I was pregnant and had morning sickness and vomited alot which hurt like Hell, but my advice is to realize you will be sore and tired, just rest, walk a lot in short trips, and follow your plan.

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

My place was 8 hours away and I didn't proceed with aftercare visits, my family doc handled me and aftercare by phone consults.

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.

Bread, rice, pasta, meat and sugary foods bothered me, now, 4yrs. out, I can have some sugar, but still can't tolerate milk, I use Lactaide but can otherwise eat anything I want in moderation.

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

Very limited, I was tired but it got better as I recovered.

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

I take Vitron C otherwise I get anemic SERIOUSLY and the Bariatric Building Blocks Calcium and multiple combo in the chewable form and like that very well. I also have to eat lots of protein foods and powder supplements to get enough protein.

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?

My side effects are hard to gauge, I was pregnant and had severe morning sickness, but without enough protein, I did have hair loss and will occasionally dump if I try to cheat and eat too much sugar.

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

Learning and knowing not to test my limits, this is an ongoing process.

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

none, I wish I did have some.

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

It was long and looked like a pink earthworm, about 7 inches long, I recently had it cut out during my tummy tuck to remove my excess skin.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Now I have plateaued and am worrying about gaining weight since I am recently having more feelings of hunger.