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

About 8 years ago a friend of mine had it done and her life changed for the better. At first I thought she was a cheater, but not for long. The more I have studied and learned the more I have realized that this is NOT the easy way out. It is a last resort.

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

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA only took 4 weeks to approve the surgery. I made sure I called at least once a week while waiting to see how things were coming. They were always pleasant and helpful

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

I thought it was good, I did have some questions written down and got side tracked and forgot to ask them anyway. Make sure you ask your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have been debating about it for over 6 years, it was also an insurance deal to, I had to find the right coverage and that wasn't easy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

If they are cutting me open they are making it a permanent thing. Gastric BYpass without staples is permanent. I have to have an open bypass due to a prior hernia 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?

There is always complication/death fears when facing any major surgery. My fear of NOT having it outweighs the fear of having it. If I stay heavy I'll dye sooner than if this is successful, I can have a full 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?

At first my family was against it, but that wasn't going to stop me. I have a close friend who thought she could change my mind, but she to found out that wasn't the case. I asked them to participate in this web site and to ask me any questions and also let them come with me to the Dr. and orientation. Both friends and family have been a wonderful support and help to me prior to and after surgery. I did lose the close friend along with a significant amount of weight, but that was her choice.

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

Seemed supportive of me, I told them what surgery I was having and how long I would be out. I ended up taking 7 weeks off.

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

I had a wonderful stay in the hospital. The Dr ordered the monkey bar things to go over the bed so I could get up and down without putting too much pressure on my incision. I went in early Tuesday and was released mid morning on Friday the same week. I brought tons of things to do such as puzzle books, reading book, and music. Didn't touch any of it. You are too busy sleeping or walking.

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

No complications

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 was excited and as it drew closer I had some anxiety. I prayed a lot and I talked with friends and family about everything. I am 1 year post op now and I feel like a new woman.

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

The first week is different and difficult because I got so tired of having to think of what I was going to eat. I got so sick of yogurt I still can't eat it. I also had a hard time sipping water... I'm a gulper and this was a dificult thing for me to learn. I also had a few days of depression due to the fact I was so tired that I couldn't get out and about. Didn't last long though.

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

I traveled only 45 min. each way

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 am at present 2 months post op. First 2 weeks are though trying to adjust to a new way of eating and believing that 2 oz. is going to fill you up, but it does and once you get used to that it becomes much easier. Your not supposed to eat any carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes. Never any carbonated drinks or coffee and tea. I have been able to eat meat but I'm not a big meat eater, just make sure you chew, chew, chew. I got sick cause I didn't chew enough. Especially drier meats such as chicken and roast beef.

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

I did some easy yard work 3 weeks after surgery. I walked a lot. After I was able to get on and iron supplement my energy level increased considerably.

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

A multi vitamin, vitamin E, Trinsicon (iron), 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?

I have a lot of hair lose. It started my 4th month out and I still lose it but it has slowed quite a bit. I only get nausia if I eat too fast, and I did vomit a few times if my meat was too dry. I only dumped once, that was enough for me.

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

Getting cut open and going under anestsia.

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

I go once a month to a support group and it is wonderful to be with others that are going or have gone through some of the same things I am. I see my Dr. as requested. I think it is very important for success to have a support group.

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

My scar is better than expected. It is long, but very thin. I was expecting a Frankenstein look and it is far from it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am now three months post op and have been experiencing a plateau. I have gone back to eating like I did right after the hospital to jump start and increased my excersice. I hit another platuea at 9 months post op it lasted a couple of months, did the same as with the first plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they seem to take notice of me now. I'm no longe invisible and it sometimes gets on my nerves.