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

I researched on the internet. OBhelp was one of the places I found. It seemed drastic by gave me some hope that there was an answer for me.

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

My first attempts failed and I thought it couldn't happen but years later I tried again and had no trouble at all. Hang in there, don't give up or accept defeat!

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

I was there 3 days and was treated very well.

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

I had no complications and still have not

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

Scared, it all seemed like it was happening so fast! I looked up stuff online and read on the forums for comfort.

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

I asked myself "what in the hell have I done?" I was depressed that it seemed like I could never just be normal again. It was hard to be on the liquid diet, but it's over soon and you will start noticing the difference in your weight quickly. I was embarrassed for people to know what I had done and kept it quiet, but now I don't mind talking about it, especially if it will help someone. Time goes by no matter what you do, whether or not you have the surgery a year will pass, but if you have the surgery in a year your life will be very different!

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

About 300 miles. That made my after care difficult, I've only been back to the place of surgery once a week after surgery. The surgeon comes to a town only 200 miles away once a month and I can go there for check ups but it is very inconvenient and I don't think I get any support from them.

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 couldn't eat any solid food for about 3 weeks, then added in a few thicker things. No beef for about 8 weeks. No sugar, no soda, no gum, very few carbs. I gradually added vegetables, fruit and a few grains. I still don't tolerate rice well. Since after my first year I have been able to eat most things, but did not try any sugary things till after my 2nd year. I have never dumped but have had episodes of very uncomfortable stomach aches from overeating or eating the wrong things. I can now eat almost anything, including most sugary items, but I choose not to do that most of time. Meat still sits pretty hard in my stomach so I chew very well.

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

Started walking in the hospital, then treadmill every day starting very slow and increasing it constantly. I was back to work less than 2 weeks after surgery, I had almost no pain and didn't use any pain meds at all after the 1st day.

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

Bariatric multi vitamins, calcium and vitamin D are my main ones.

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

I have no access to a support group and have never been offered anything by my surgeons office. I don't even get a newsletter from them. I avidly watch Bariatric TV and I love it. I also listen to their Chat radio programs on Itunes. I go to their forum and the OBhelp forums for support. I have no friends or family that have been through this. They are supportive but I wish I had some personal contact with other patients.

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

Almost no scarring at all, better than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost very little weight since I hit year 2. I have never lost down to my goal weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel I am treated with alot more respect. Strangers are much more friendly and talkative.