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

through an add in the paper. I had just been diagnosed with a blood disorder and knew I had to do something.

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

It took a year. 3 denials and 3 letters of begging and stating my case. Lots of prayers. I would say the bottom line is not to give up. Just how badly do you want to change?

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

It was a great experience. My husband was with me and the whole meeting was very supportive. I chose a surgeon who was very experienced and had a very conservitive way in dealing with health care post op. He was very direct in expectations.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

my health, and being tired of being overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

my surgeon said I was a better candidate for gastric bypass than for the lap band. I would have better results.

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 fear of the unknown. I went in with prayers and research and left doing the same thing. It is an ongoing learning tool.

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 family was very supportive. I did lose some friends that could not handle the change. I heard remarks like, "you did it the easy way." or "you could have done it on your own if you tried harder." I learned to not take offense and explain it was just a tool that I would have to work with for the rest of my life.

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

I was out for only 31/2 weeks. My employer never said a thing.

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

I was there for 4 days. Very professional staff and friendly. The most important thing to bring-a positive outlook and a willingness to make this work. Do what you are told to do.

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

I had bad diarrhea. Thaey gave me some medicine, but started me on solids a bit earlier than planned.

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 nervous but, excited. I just kept moving forward.

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

You will be moving slower, and have to rest more. You will be wanting to do much more. I pushed myself a bit much and was back to work in 3 1/2 weeks vs the recommended 6. I do not make a good patient.

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

I travelled 2 1/2 hours. I did the aftercare just fine, but did not attend support groups, and none was available in my area.

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.

In the beginning, just liquids. then proceeded to soft foods, applesauce, eggs, jello, I sucked on cheese puffs for awhile. I also went through the phase of eating baby food. The cereal and fruits were the best. It took a long while to adjust my protein so I wouldn't gag. All things sugar took a backseat for 2 years. If I wanted ice cream, I would take a spoonful of non dairy frozen topping and that satisfied me. breads I have to be careful with. chew well and don't drink liquids with them. Meat, I have to have on the rarer side. If too done, it swells and blocks the passage. It hurts. I am still not good at not drinking when I eat. Some days I can eat a plate of food, like a good sized salad, other days, a couple of bites. I know as I am eating if it will work or not. Fatty foods don't work very well. The dumping syndrome is miserable. If you eat too muck sugar, too much food or the wrong food. Heart rate goes up, dizzy, nauseaus etc. It takes anywhere from a half hour to an hour to go away.

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

beginning to increase in small amounts.

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

b-12, a-d, e, c, fish oil, calcium citrate, 8 chewable flintstone vitamins per day, b complex. and 120 grams of protein per day. I have learned to grind my calcium (4500 grams per day)=16tabs. I grind a couple of bottles at a time and use 2 tsp. 3x a day mixed in my protein. A little gritty, but I'm not taking all of those pills. I do Nectar protein that mixes with water and a spoon. Very simple and not gaggy. I take a baggy to work and have that with a yogurt or protein bar for lunch.

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?

Because I followed the protein and supplements, I never really lost much hair. the dumping is still the worse-my own fault for eating the wrong thing. You forget at times that you still are not "normal." Sleep apnea went away within weeks.

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

What was once firm, is now soft and saggy. I had the tummy tuck 2 years out and had 10 lbs of skin removed. That does not fix my neck, arms or thighs. I will not undergo those procedures so I dress to accomodate and exercise.

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

Only my family. We live in a rural area that has no support groups. For some people I feel it is vital. we need to decide how each of us would benefit.

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

I had had several other abdominal surgeries. One more didn't make a difference. When I had the tummy tuck, some of the other scars were removed. I have one from breast down to the pubic area and to each side now. Some numbness in a few areas.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

As before the surgery, it is still very difficult to lose weight. I have a limit for myself of 5 lbs. and it is still a struggle. Tool or not, it is still work.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but to be fair, I probably act differently too. More confident and smiling more. I have always tried to dress nicely whether heavy or not. One gentleman at church told me I was beautiful, but he thought I was before too.He said he never thought I was fat. That made me smile.