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

A coworker had it done and told me about it. Then I went to a meeting about it. I thought it sounded like something promising for me, something that would be a great tool, but a little scary.

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

I followed the requirements and was approved on the first try. My advice is to find out everything you must do for insurance upfront and do everything to the "T". Then you should not have any problem.

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

He told me about the surgery and the requirments for insurance. I felt informed. I was able to ask questions. I made sure to take notes. I advise taking a list of questions too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I thought about all the health problems my family has and the health problems I had so far and the fact that the doctor said I had to lose quite a bit before getting pregnant for safety. Also, I had tried every diet know to man with little success.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted permanent. I did not want to be able to eat much sugar or carbs. I did not want to be able to eat whatever I wanted like you can with the band, only in small amounts. I wanted a lot of restriction. I did not mind having to take vitamins, I already took vitamins for other reasons. I heard that some people have a harder time with the band and that it takes longer to lose.

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?

My major fear has been pain and failure. As long as you follow the rules you will succeed. There will be pain, but it will be short lived and worth it.

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 both excited and afraid for me. My friends were afraid and nervous for me. I think I communicated everything pretty well. Afterward everyone has been very supportive and 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?

I did not miss any work. I was able to have the surgery during the summer, I am a teacher. My boss has not said too much about it. Others I work with have complimented me and said how happy they are for me.

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

Informative and exciting and scary. I was glad that I attended because it was informative.

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 two and a half days. I took my daily meds,bedroom shoes, house coat, toothbrush/toothpaste, glasses, pillow, socks... The bed was very uncomfortable.

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

I developed thrush from the antibiotics.

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 relieved and ready. I did not feel anxious until the day of the surgery.

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

Be prepared for the pain and discomfort. No one prepared me for the pain.

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

20 minutes

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 liquid only. Then very soft. Then high protein. Eggs bothered me at first. Chicken can be too dry at times. Seafood goes down the best. Steak is good if moist. Little veggies and fruit is good. Sugar and carbs should be limited

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

Walk, walk, walk

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

Multi Vit, Calcium, B12, CoQ10, B complex, Magnesium, Iron

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?

nausea, vomiting, little dumping couple of times (my fault for eating something knew should not eat) Still vomit if eat to fast or do not chew enough

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

The pain in the first few weeks after surgery, but it was worth it.

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

Groups through hospital. Obesity Help.

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

There are 6 in total. Two are almost completely gone. I am happy with the results. I use goldbond restoring lotion.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am out 5 months. I have had two plateaus that lasted two weeks. I increased protein and water and exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I think it has to do with the fact that I act differently too though. I am more talkative and outgoing now.