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

One of my BF's had a Lap Band placed a few years ago. It scared me....I didn't want any part of it but thought she was incredibly brave to have it done.

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

My process was very easy...unlike most people. I had no issues at all. Everything went very smoothly.

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

It went well. His office Staff is great. I researched my procedure and every question I needed to have asked.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic 5 months prior and I was done. I couldn't do this by myself anymore. I had no interest in Bypass. A VSG I knew I could do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not want my intestines messed with. I've seen a lot of those surgeries go bad as a Healthcare Worker. VSG was really the ONLY option for me because my BMI was 50 and to have a Lap Band I had to be at around 40.

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 very nervous about everything. You just have to have faith in your Surgeon and make sure you talk to him/her about their numbers. Such as, leaks etc.... My MD has a very good record and that helped me immensely.

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?

My Parents were not very supportive because they thought it was elective but not a necessary surgery. My Husband was/has been on and off. My Friend's have been the best support.

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

I am off currently....will be off for 6 weeks. My Boss was cool.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Actually, I never attended one. I went to the Pre-Surgical class and almost backed out of the surgery. It scared me because I doubted I could do it. Turns out....I was wrong. I can....and am doing it everyday.

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

It was OK. I was there 3.5 days.

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

No. Just had a problem controlling my pain. It was OK eventually.

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

ANXIOUS. I talked to my friend's and went on www.verticalsleevetalk.com for more support.

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

The first few weeks is the HARDEST. Your trying to heal and get used to your new stomach. Don't over do it...get plenty of rest.

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

About 35 miles from where I live.

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.

Well, things are still changing.... I will be 4 weeks out tomorrow. You start in clear liquids, then to full liquids, blended, pureed, and 2 weeks on soft, then at day 35 you can go to regular food. Hasn't been easy but it is doable. I swear by Unjury Unflavored protein powder. www.unjury.com

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

Walking around my house. No strength exercise until 6-8 weeks out. Due to risk of Hernias.

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

Children's vitamins...now B-12...and Calcium.

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?

Post op I was dry heaving from anesthesia. I did dump a few times from chocolate sugar free pudding. Another time from a sugar cookie. Won't do that again.... Seems OK now.

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

The pain was the hardest for me. Plus, I did not like the drain. It burned when he took it out.

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

My friend's and family. Also the www.verticalsleevetalk.com has been an enormous support for me.

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

Better than what I expected. I have about 6...5 from the surgery and one from my drain.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did plateau at my 2.5 to 3 wk period. I have since lost 3 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my Husband. He has been hot and cold with me. I anticipated it.