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

A friend of mine had it and was successful.

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

The first time I tried for bariatric surgery, I was not approved (that was around 2004 or so). I tried again in 2009 and was approved. Have your documentation, choose a great facility, listen to them.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was a group information session. Sit in the front row (you learn more without the distractions). Be prepared to ask questions that have been nagging you about the process and ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The success of my friend, improved health, longer life - what more do I need?

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I wanted the sure thing. I knew I didn't want to have to deal with the maintenance of a band and possible absorption of the band.

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?

Any surgery (even daily life) is a risk. Walking across the street you can get killed. MOST surgeries are successful. You will most likely live a longer, healthier, happier life if you aren't morbidly obese. The potential for misery while being morbidly obese is pretty big - diabetes is a horrible disease.

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?

Most everyone was positive (thank God). My mom was a little apprehensive, but she is my mom. Now, seeing the results, everyone is very happy for me.

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

My supervisor was very supportive and I told him everything. I was only off work about 2 weeks, I have a desk job.

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

It was a good experience, you learn quite a bit in one of the info sessions and you can talk to others.

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

My hospital stay was great. It is a bariatric center of excellence. They do this stuff all the time, focus on bariatric patients, and have the process down. I was in the hospital for a couple days. Toothbrush/toothpaste - they provide it, but it isn't your type. I really didn't need to bring anything. You are a little too zoned out to read. Maybe an ipod for listening to music and covering up the hospital sounds. A robe was a waste, never put it on since you are already in their little gowns (no one cares, we are all out there doing our walking in those lovely outfits and rubber treaded socks). They provided sundries for the bathroom, but you could bring your own too.

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

I had no complications, thankfully.

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 couldn't wait for it to get here. The time passed pretty fast though.

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

No lie, you are going to have some pain. Stay ahead of the pain. I quit taking the meds pretty quick because it tasted sooooo nasty. You are going to NEVER want to eat SF jello again. Read your manual (yes, your facility/surgeon should have been teaching you PRIOR to surgery how to get to and through it. If your facility/surgeon does not have a comprehensive program - run far and fast!!!!!

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

15 miles and no. You really don't have to go that often.

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.

Initially, clear fluids, then full fluids, then moved up the scale to eggs, chicken, protein drinks - everything that was listed in the plan. Portions very small. As time goes on, you can eat more. Be careful. Chicken is a little rough sometimes due to the denseness of it. Now, three years out, I can eat pretty much anything, but all those bad things (pasta, bread, ice cream) usually "hurt" to eat - I am thankful for this because it keeps me from eating them.

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

I walked every day, just like my book told me to do - in the days/weeks after surgery. When released to lift weights, I started to do that too. I quit all activity for a while, but now for the past year have been training for half-marathons, so you can't just sit on the couch. I walk/run 3-5 miles every couple of days and alternate a couple days of weights in there. You don't have to go crazy and train all day to get results! MOVE something.

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

All the requirements - daily multiples, D3, calcium, etc. I also take iodine, magnesium, and biotin.

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?

Dumping and hair loss. If you eat the wrong things (sugar or too much) you are going to have issues (hopefully) - it really does keep you on track - the pain is not worth the pleasure. I used to have really thick long hair, about 8 months after surgery it got thin, so I cut it to shoulder length. The biotin is helping it now.

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

No issues really.

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

My facility has a great program, I can attend seminars, call them, etc. Again, it is very important that your facility have a complete program! Precare and aftercare.

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

Very minor, yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My "honeymoon" phase ended about a year out (just like a lot of other bariatic surgery patients say). Surgery day was 313 (August 2009) - then December of 2010 I was 220. I knew I could do better, I knew the "surgery" had given me the tool to start, but I was going to have to do more to make it work better for me. You will regress to old habits, you will overeat if you aren't careful. I have gone low carb/paleo and lost another 30 lbs in the past year. I feel better eating low carb/paleo/cleaner food. I want to lose just a couple more pounds and know that through exercise and staying away from BAD carbs, I can do it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is funny when people who haven't seen you in years walk right by you or go "WOW, is that you?". My husband and I had the surgery together and our lives have changed so much for the better - we look and feel so much healthier.