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

I saw Carnie Wilson on TV and almost fell over, so I did an internet search and started learning more about surgery. For the first time I felt like there was a way to do something about my weight.

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

My insurance is a joke and I wrote a good letter for the initial request and then again for the appeal. They don't have any interest in doing anything expensive..they'd rather spend a fortune in drugs and dr. visits which ultimately will cost them more.

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

I didn't meet my surgeon till my surgery because I went to Spain from Washington state. I loved him as soon as I met with him the first time. He's a gold star in my book!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My son. I want to be more active with him before he's gone and I can't spend the time with him I have now. I also wanted to get my health back and stop feeling sick all the time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the one with the best loss record and least regain down the road.

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 had all the fears and all I can say is its normal and chances are much more in favor of nothing going wrong than something going wrong. I think the more positive you stay, the better the results!

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?

Everyone was beyond supportive. I'm very lucky. I've had so many people respond in my life that I never thought would care and its made me feel even better about myself.

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

Excellent. My employer showed interest and spent alot of time discussing this surgery before I actually had it. She's also been very supportive since I got home by letting me be a bit flexible the first weeks back to work!

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

Don't take anything but the clothing you need and toiletries..the rest is overkill. I had a hard time focusing after surgery. A book might be okay but I tended to walk and watch tv.

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

None

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 went to my dr and got some good drugs. I don't see why anyone has to suffer thru that phase. I felt the more calm I stayed the better for my health.

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

I was having a hard time sleeping as I couldnt sleep on my side so I woke alot, but I did sleep in my own bed with no problems. I used alot of pillows to prop my head and that worked well for me. I think people should expect that you're going to be uncomfortable for a short time and get tired fast so keep reminding themselves its only temporary.

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

I traveled about 5000 miles. It made eating hard because I was in a hotel for a week after surgery but other than being tired from traveling, I don't think it had any negative effects.

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've not had anything that has been a problem for eating. I find my tastes have changed, like I no longer drink soda every day, I dont crave junk food, etc. I seem to crave protein and I am thirsty alot so I drink water and juice most of the day.

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

my activity level was only what I had to do. I was tired as soon as I walked a little bit. In week 3 that level seemed to come up higher and I'm doing more such as shopping, cleaning a bit and working.

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

I take 2 multivitamins, calcium and thats about it so far.

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've only vomited once due to overeating. I've not had any other problems yet but I'm only 4 weeks out at this point.

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

The first 12 hours after surgery. The rest has been tolerable and more of a discomfort than anything else.

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

I couldn't find one in my community so I started my own. We have over 20 members now (which is surprising for a small area we are in) and we meet every other week. I find that there is a let down after surgery and its really helped me to have a project such as this to focus on. I find it more helpful than anything else I've done and I hope everyone can find one they like to attend at least occasionally. We have fun, learn so much from each other and it makes such a difference on our confidence levels.

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

Its 14 inches long, its horizontal and runs about halfway between my breasts and bellybutton. It very narrow and still very pink. I think it looks better than I thought!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far but I'm only on week 4.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think I treat people different...I don't feel like an unworthy person anymore. I think people are treating me different due to that.