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

I knew people who had surgery and saw their results. Like anyone else, I thought it seemed awesome, but knew their were side-effects and complications. Plus I knew there was risk of gaining your weight back.

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

I had to complete a 6 month program before I received approval to even speak to my bariatric surgeon. In retrospect, it was a very valuable tool. I would advise people to not rush into the decision and to be patient. Insurance companies don't want to deny you and if they do, there is obviously a reason for it. It is to their benefit to approve you rather than pay out huge expenses for your health problems later. WLS cuts your chances of heart disease and diabetes greatly.

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

It was ok. Like most surgeons, they are rushed and they don't know you. He was very upfront with me and wanted me to understand the risks. He didn't baby me or coddle me. I appreciated that. I left with lots of information. He also told me to go home and think about it for a few days. I thought it was interesting that he was a very large man and he had not had surgery. It sent the message to me that surgery is not for everyone. It's our own personal decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was my last best hope

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance only covered RNY, however, I knew that with the lap band, I would continue to eat unhealthy foods. With RNY, it's much harder to cheat.

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 occasionally had fears, but with any surgery there can be complications. I didn't feel selfish. I felt like I was fighting for a better life.

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?

I didn't really tell anyone until my surgery date was a go. I only came across one person who was less than thrilled for me and she's a big sour puss, so I wasn't surprised that she reacted negatively. Everyone else has been very supportive and just showers me with compliments.

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

They were really excited and very supportive. I initially took 1 month leave, but came back after about two weeks part-time and came back full-time shortly after that.

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

I was therre from Tuesday through Friday. How was it? It was ok. Day two was hard for me because there's nothing to do. Your third day is when the tubes start coming out, so that is something to look forward to. Important to bring? I used my ipod. I experienced anxiety from having to use a cpap. I was really crabby about that. I started having panic attacks and so the cpap stayed off.

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

No complications. Flying colors.

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 felt pretty good, however, my brain still wanted to eat. I had my surgery done between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I probably would do that differently in retrospect. It was hard to not eat cookies, candy and all the foods associated with the holidays and be on a liquid and pureed diet. But, I survived. I don't recall any anxiety. I was anxious to see the weight go.

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

Expect to be tired. Even though on the outside you feel good, you have to remember that your insides have been seriously moved around and have to heal. I think I pushed myself too hard but I never did anything crazy.

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

The hospital was about 50 miles from my home or about 45 minutes away. No hardships.

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.

After surgery you treat your stomach as you would a new born baby. You don't feed a baby a taco. I had all liquids for two weeks and then went to soft/pureed foods for another 2 weeks. Then soft foods for about a month. I totally avoid anything with sugar. I can not tolerate eggs, hamburger, bacon or anything that is pretty fatty. It used to sound good, but now it just sounds greasy. I mostly eat chicken, turkey or fish.

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

At first it was low, but as the weight came off, I started having huge bursts of energy. I exercise very regularly.

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

B12, Calcium and a multi. For the rest of my life.

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?

No dumping, but I don't eat sugar. I vomited once but it was from a migraine. Very, very strange to have this little tiny stomach and feel it squeeze up. I have a lot of hair loss, but am working on that.

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

Having to use a cpap machine. I understood why, which was that you are flat on your back and you need oxygen to heal properly, but it was very hard to adjust to the machine and it was very noisy and covered most of my face.

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

I am part of a support group and I have follow-up care until I am 5 years out.

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

I have about 6 little scars that are healing nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh yuck. I hate plateaus. I had one once I hit about 45lbs lost and then I've lost slowly since then. I exercise and exercise. What is important to remember is that when you plateau, you continue to lose inches, so you can't get too shook up and start thinking that you've screwed up your surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yeah. I've noticed that people listen to what I have to say and treat me with more respect. How odd. Because I was fat, I was less worthy of consideration? My true friends have been true to me regardless.