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

Probably just heard about it on the news and such. Then one of my friends had the surgery...then another and they have been awesome about sharing information with me about it.

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

No insurance...had to pay for it out of our pocket. But figured we buy new cars for the same amount and this is so much more important...it is my life we are talking about.

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

I was very nervous because I first met my surgeon the day before my surgery. He was very nice, but I tried to be very prepared. I had already asked a million and one questions to my friends who had had the surgery...and I went in with a list of questions. My husband came in with me and had some questions of his own. I think that it is really important to think about every aspect and ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just got tired of being overweight and wanted a better life. Wanted to be able to keep up with my 11 and 13 year old. I didn't want to end up with the high blood pressure and the diabetes that is in our family history.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

A friend. Plus I researched on the internet a lot. The procedure that I had was kind of a combination of two procedures that he took the best parts of.

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 was scared to death. I was so ready to get up and walk out the day of the surgery. I just had to make myself do it. I had a lot of problems after the surgery. Some things that the surgeon didn't share with me. Things that I could find no information on. I don't know if I would do it again. I can't say for certain at this point. It really changes your life. There is a lot of head hunger and emotions that go along with the changes of surgery.

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 have all been great. Very supportive. My dad was the biggest skeptic and he still worries, but they have all been there for me and have supported me 100%.

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

I was out of work for 6 weeks. Good thing we own our own business. I had planned on coming back to work after 2 weeks, but there was no way. I think some advice would be to plan for the 6 weeks....you will need it.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. They were really good there. They had a lot of experience with the procedure there were even nurses that had had the procedure, so they knew all about it. Don't bring a thing...they will take care of you. Maybe a robe....cause you have to get right up and walk, walk, walk as soon and possible.

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

Not really. After I came home from the hospital I had problems staying hydrated. I was in the ER 3 times getting rehydrated due to throwing up and not being able to keep anything down.

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

You have to take one day at a time. I had a really hard time the first 6 weeks. I didn't know if I was going to make it. I was very sick. Have someone you can talk to about it. Someone who has been where you are...someone who has had the procedure. My good friend helped me a lot and talked me through a lot of things.

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

I don't know. There is a lot to get use to. Take it easy. Follow your doctors rules. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. I did a lot of laying around and sleeping. You will be very tired. Your eating will be crazy. But give it time...you will get the hang of it. I am just getting the hang of it and it has been 7 weeks. CRAZY.

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

I traveled 4 hours. I have spent a lot of time on the phone with my doc. He gave me his cell phone and I have called him directly quite a few times trying to figure out what meds would help me and what wouldn't. He was very helpful. Getting a doctors own personal cell phone...who gets that?

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.

The first week I was on liquid diet. The second week a little more texture....then the 3rd-5th I pretty much stayed on a soft diet. I was afraid to try anything else. Now at 7 weeks I eat whatever and haven't had any problems with anything yet. I try and eat what my family is eating so that I am not doing anything special. Just trying to get back to normal.

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

LIMITED> I have been very tired. I still haven't got all my energy back.

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

I still haven't started taking my vitamins. I am suppose to take one multivitamin a day. I have a hard time getting the huge vitamins down and so I have not really started that yet.

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?

The nausea and vomiting were the worst. It felt like for the first 6 weeks that is all I did. It was horrible. It has made me doubt my decision to have the surgery. It really took it out of me.

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

The after life. Giving up family dinners...big meals out....stuff like that. It has been extremely hard. Like losing a best friend. The nausea and vomiting were a close second.

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

I think it is VERY important to have a friend or someone that has gone through the procedure. I happen to know two people and they have been awesome. I don't know what I would have done without their support.

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

I have a 10" scar down the center of my stomach. I had the open procedure. I did expect it because I had researched it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

You get a little worried. Wondering did I just spend $20,000 and I am only going to lose this much weight...but then you start losing again...THANK GOD>

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. People have been really supportive of me. I have had a few people that I don't really know congratulate me...and ask a few questions.