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

I had a doctor/friend who told me (while slow-dancing to a country song) that I was "too young and too pretty in the face to be this fat. I don't want you to die young. And you could, if you don't get your weight under control."

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

PERSERVERE!!!!!

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

Shut up and listen carefully.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The first time: I was certain that I couldn't lose it on my own. The second time: my health was so bad, that resection was unavoidable. I have Barrett's Disease, had a gall bladder full of stones, vomited every day of my life, could only eat junk food, and was STILL fat. I had gained back up to 225, and was afraid that I would get back up to over 300 lbs without the gastric bypass. So I said yes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided for me.

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?

I was not prepared for the pain 18 years ago. I can't say I did much better this time...but I lived through it! lol And...you will, too.

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?

The first time: my family thought I was crazy...until I lost a whole person! The second time: everyone was VERY supportive, because now it was about health versus cosmetics.

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

My employers and co-workers were quite supportive. I told them I had to have this surgery...or I would quite likely die. They got behind that! I was out of work four weeks. That's all my job would cover. I could have taken off more time, but w/o pay & benefits. And it was Christmas, so I HAD to work.

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

I was there five days. I kind of 'came-to' myself in Day 3. I watched the state funeral of Yasser Arafat on TV. Bring some of those finger-cots for brushing teeth, when you can't use water yet. Feeling like I had a 'fresh mouth', believe it or not, helped my spirits a lot. Go figure. ,

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

No...did fine.

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 only had a few days to contemplate my fate before surgery. But yes, I was scared. Of what, I don't know. Pain, most likely. And I had the ideaology in my head that I wouldn't have a job to return to (even though I did).

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

I went rather 'stir-crazy' at home. Walking (like you're SUPPOSED to) helped that feeling immensely. I was unhappy that I could'nt lift my four-year-old son, couldn't do stuff around the house, ect. It would depress me to cook for the family and then have my broth or juice or instant oatmeal, or whatever.

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

75 miles.

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.

At first, I couldn't stand fish. It made me sick. Now I crave fish. Oddly enough, I have craved watermelon all summer. Nothing seems off-limits now. However...I genuinely DON'T WANT candy, excess sugar, or carbonated drinks of any kind. I'd rather have cold, unsweet tea. And I've re-introduced tomatoes to my diet.

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

I really didn't want to walk in the hospital. However, I realized that walking was my key outta there, so I griped, moaned, hurt...and did it any way. Of course, the more active I was...the better I got, and sooner.

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

Two Centrum chewables (better than Flinstones!) and two Viactiv chews, every day of my life now. No exceptions.

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?

The hair loss SUCKED. I'm just now getting my hair back, after 9 months. I'm lucky...very little dumping. I do get nauseated on occasion, particulary around my period (hormonal changes trigger that for me). I had some insomnia before surgery, so no big deal.

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

For me...pain. I'm a WUSS.

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

We have just started the "Bariatric Babes" here in our town. There are ten of us. I hope we continue to meet and share. It IS important to dialogue with other patients. Many times, our spouses don't understand how we relate to food...our changing bodies, how others now view us...where to get good protein supplements. And we can trade information, clothes, work-out tips, whatever works for us.

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

My scar is OK. Both my surgeons have told me: "Gee, you scar pretty." I guess in the bariatric world, that's one hell of a compliment.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm stuck now on 166 lbs. I'd like to lose 20-30 more pounds. I can wear size 14--16, as opposed to 22-24, so in the larger scheme of things, pun intended, it's all good!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Men treat me more a a 'girl' than as a guy with boobs...or as a sister...or as NOTHING. And salespersons/waitstaff no longer look THROUGH me...they look and speak TO me. Anybody else experience that one?