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

My aunt told me about the surgery and she had it about 6 mos before me...I was scared, resisted the idea, hoping to find the reasons behind my overeating...and thinking that the surgery was a "quick fix" to the problem...

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

I had a relatively easy process. My primary physician, who worked closely with me over several diets, approved the surgery, gave me the approvals, and off I went!

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

I was very nervous. He was supportive, and gave me all the facts.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was done with being so obese. I needed to live alot longer then 41 years, and wanted to be healthy and live the way I wanted to.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to do the procedure that was irreversible. I had a gastric bypass surgery....

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?

As much as I knew that surgery on an overweight person was a risk, there was a greater risk of me dying from complications of obesity..either way, I was headed for an early death....and why not take the risk of becoming a healthier, happier person. The benefits FAR outweigh any risks...

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 had the support of EVERYONE in my family, my friends, my co-workers, etc...After the surgery, I continued to have the utmost support anyone could ask for.

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

I was very honest and my employer gave me as much time as needed (I have been with the company for 15 years) and told me to get healthy, take as much time as I needed. I took 6 weeks full time, returned part time for a few weeks...did work from home during the end of the 6 weeks and during part time in the office.

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

My stay in the hospital was pretty horrible...due to the hospital and its changing hands....I dont want to scare anyone, so if they want details, they can email me. I was in the hospital for 9 days...and if you are very very large, be sure they have large gowns for you to wear... BUT I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT ! ! ! ! !

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

The surgery and recovery from the surgery was fine..no pain from the incision. Unfortunately, they left me on my back and I got a large bedsore and my back was thrown out for a few weeks. Upon discharge, I had a visiting nurse for several weeks to help heal the bedsore, and a PT to help me in walking again.

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 could not wait for the day to come. Once I made up my mind to do it, I was ready and waiting. I was anxious, and did get my financial and personal affairs in order, but knew that I would be ok and was not worried.

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

I felt great to be home after a long hospital stay. I did need some extra help-thanks to my family and a dear friend, I had it as I recovered. I did not miss eating, at all....and never never regretted the decision. I did sleep alot and really needed to rest, but dont we all?

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

I live in Chester Co, Pa. and only had to go to Philadelphia to have the surgery. I spent several weeks with my parents, who live close to Phila, and so aftercare appts. were pretty routing.

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 was on liquid Ensure for 4 weeks post surgery. I tolerated this and the vitamins well. I gradually started with soft foods, eggs, cottage cheese, soups, which I tolerated well. Solid foods were very gradual, and since my surgery (5-98) I only struggle with rice and chicken, sometimes...i avoid fried foods. I did not try a soda for about 4 mos post surgery and try to avoid sugar since it causes "dumping."

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

Since my hospital stay was not great, i really needed a few weeks to recover. I tried to move around as best as possible, but to be honest, it took several weeks to walk (due to back situation) well. I started exercise, in a limited way about 2 mos post surgery, and was cleared to start heavy exercise about 3 mos post...swimming was great and I did that about 2 mos after.

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

I have been taking B-12 shots once per month-but recently found out that there is a new nasal spray that works just as well. For 1 year I took Flintstones vitamins and Tums regularly, now just take a vitamin and the shot.

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?

Nausea-none...Vomiting-as I learned to eat, only several times-THIS IS NOT PLEASANT AND WILL HELP YOU AVOID OVEREATING>>>>Sleep disturbance-none. Dumping-still happens if you eat the wrong things. Hair loss was for about 3 mos...but I have such a thick head of hair it did not matter.

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

The hospital stay. Again, i would DO IT AGAIN.

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

This site is the best support-I do have family and friends, but you should get involved in a support program or group.

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

I obsessively rubbed lotion on the scar-vitamin E and cocoa butter...it worked...my scar is GREAT and much better then expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

15 mos post surgery, it still takes forthought to make good decisions..yes, I can only eat small amounts of food, but you still have to make good choices.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

When you are not so overweight...people act like you are "normal." People who know me and have not seen me for a while, dont recognize me...it is kinda nice.