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

I had heard about it on TV for years. Lately lots of programs on TLC / Discovery Health are really focusing on bariatric surgery. I never thought it was the easy way out, but I knew a lot of other people did. I also thought that I could never find an insurance that would cover it or I could never afford it. I guess to sum it up the stigma from others and the cost held me back.

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

I don't really have any advice except that don't get too worked up about it. My experience went really smoothly. The hospital gathered all the information the insurance needed, sent it in, and about two weeks later a letter came stating that I was approved. Not everyone has a horrid experience.

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

My first meeting was a lot longer that I thought it would be. They really just gave me an over-view of what to expect over the next few months. I kind of liked that it was light. There is plenty of time for questions. There was no need to be overwhelmed on one day. However, if there are some questions that you really feel need to be answered now, don't hesitate to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Though I am morbidly obese, I am fairly young and still surpisingly healthy. I know that will not last forever. I am on a quick downward spiral in regards to my health. I know most people have increased health needs as they age but I do not need to exacerbate that by being morbidly obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took the recommendation from my surgeon on which surgery was more appropriate 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?

At this moment I honestly don't think I will die or have complications. I know that sounds nieve, but I just don't. I am too busy looking forward to all the positive changes that this surgery WILL have on my future to be concerned about what MIGHT happen. However, I am a bit concerned about hair loss. I'm a girl and I really like my hair, as a fat person it was the one physical aspect people actually complimented me on.

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?

Honestly, no one has reacted in a way that I had hoped they would. Most get that look in thier eye that says to me "can't you just diet and exercise?". So far I have told very few people, not because I am ashamed of what I am doing, but I need support and having that poor inital reaction is hurtful. I quess I will have to see what reactions I get after the surgery.

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

GREAT! Very supportive. I have the luxury of working from home for a week or so after the surgery.

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 for 2 1/2 days. It was good overall. The nurses were great. Supportive yet pushed me to do what I needed to do, and that was get up and walk, even if I was nauseas. The most important thing I brought with me was a small fan. It helped with the pain and nausea.

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

Not really. I did find out that I am allergic to morphine and became very itchy during the first night but not severe.

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

My anxiety had definitally increased since getting my surgery date. I think about the surgery all the time. I am more diligent about asking questions, doing research, notifying friends, seeking support.

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

The first few days I spent a lot of time sleeping and just trying to get into a comfortable position. I started working part time the second week and full time the third week. It was tough and uncomfortable but I could not handle any more time sitting alone at home watching TV.

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

About 30 min away. It is still in the same city, just a big city. No problems with travel, assuming it's not rush hour.

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.

The first few weeks were all mushy foods. My favorite was mashed potatoes and refried beans. I could not handle eggs, even the smell bothered me. Since I started eating solid foods, I tended to vomit once or twice a week. It is nothing in particular, hit or miss every day. I do better at lunch time, breakfast and dinner can be difficult and I tend to get uncomfortable after a few bites. Now that I am over 6 months out I rarely have any bad eating experiences.

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

The first three weeks my activity was very minimal. Only walking around the house, store, or work. Starting in week three though I joined a post-surgery excersise class. We meet twice a week for 1 1/2 hrs. Six months later I am still in the exercise class and I try to walk 20-30 min everyday on my lunch hour.

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

Cromagen Forte Multivitamin Calcium a pill to prevent gall stones protein B12

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?

Sleep disturbance was the worst for me. I didn't have problems falling asleep but found myself waking a lot throughout the night. I would also get hot and cold flashes but those subsided after about 2 weeks. The sleep disturbances persist but not as severe as the first month. At about the 4-5th month I noticed the hair loss. It was a little alarming. It has since subsided (at about 7 months) but it is not really growing back, so now I am left with thinner hair. Not too bad, I am sure I am the only one who can tell.

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

The gamble of never knowing if what I am going to eat will make me sick or not. And it sounds vain, but the hair loss really bothered me too.

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

I attend a support group hosted by the hospital where I had the surgery every other week. It is really important to me and I would never miss a meeting. It feels good to bounce ideas off of other people.

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

I have 5 little scars. I guess I had no expectations about how they would look.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am not very far along but during week 6 I did not loose any weight, but I did notice that my waist size finally went down in that week. Strange.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice I get a few more smiles from men when I am out in public. I also am feeling a bit defined by my surgery. Yes, I had the surgery, and would not change a thing but there are many other aspects of my life that also deserve attention.