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

I had a couple of friends that had had bariatric surgery, but didn't think it was 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 insurance turned me down because I didn't have a psychological evaluation. Once I got that done, getting approval wasn't a problem.

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

I saw one surgeon before Dr. Mora that I didn't care for. When I met Dr. Mora, I knew he was the one I wanted to use. I think preparing a list of questions ahead of time is very important. I also got all the doctor's records I could get ahead of time and took them with me to the consult. I think this saved a lot of time in the approval process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I resolved some personal problems in my life and decided that I wanted to concentrate on myself and be healthy.

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

I was in the hospital a total of 10 days due to some complications I had. The stay was fine and I learned first-hand just how much I need my husband and how much he loves me, because he was my rock during that time! I didn't really use most of the stuff I took to the hospital, except for my robe, slippers and chapstick.

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

I ended up getting congested and popped my sutures coughing. I had a second surgery to repair my belly wall. They had to suction my lungs at that time, and I woke up on a ventilator. It was very scary, but I had faith that God would pull me through.

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

When I got home, I wasn't even thinking about how much weight I may/may not have lost, I just wanted to feel better and get my strength back. There were times I wondered what I had done to myself! I was taken off my anti-depressant in the hospital and was very emotional until I went back on it.

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

I was very tired and weak. Even taking a shower wore me out. After about a month, I started to feel better.

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

About 20 minutes away. I wanted to be close to home in case of complications.

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 haven't had problems with anything, except for rice. I tolerate a little of it, but not a lot. I also don't eat much bread, because I just don't have room for it. I can eat more crunchy things, and have to watch that!

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

I tried to walk as much as possible. After about 8 weeks, I started going back to water aerobics.

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

Calcium Citrate, Biotin, Dry Vitamin A&D, Dry Vitamin E, Iron, chewable children's vitamins, chewable Vitamin C and Zinc. I also drink a protein drink (mixed with water) every day.

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 had back problems for several weeks following surgery, and then had problems with my shoulders. My doctor said this was all normal due to my weight dropping and shifting. It eventually subsided.

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

I attend my surgeon's support group meetings, and I also have a support e-mail group of my own. It is so important to me to have friends that have gone through or are going through the same things I am, and I have made friendships through my group that will last a lifetime.

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

My surgery started out lap, but ended up being open. I have the lap incision scars as well as an open scar from the bottom of my breastbone to my belly button. It doesn't bother me, it's a reminder of something wonderful I've done for myself and how far I've come!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had several plateaus, and they are frustrating. If I keep doing what I'm supposed to do, the weight does eventally start coming off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but not because my body has changed, it's because I'VE changed. I am much more confident and outgoing, and have more self-esteem than I've ever had in my life. This shows and affects the way I treat myself and other people. This, in turn, affects the way others treat me.