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

Television ads and I knew I wanted it right from the start

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

Once I got approved for the initial consultation, it was very easy. I was approved for surgery in ten days.

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

My surgeon is fantastic. Took all the time I needed to answer questions, explained the procedure in detail, he was great! Be sure to ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I see this as the only possibility for a permanent solution for my weight problems

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

research, research, and mor research.

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 trust my surgeon and his track record. I feel pretty fortunate not to have any serious co-morbs such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea

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 husband, sister and close friends are behind me and support me in my decision. My mother, however, does not want me to do it. She has always been somewhat over-protective and I can understand where she is coming from being a mom myself. I know one year from now she will see the good, I just have to be patient with her for now.

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

I could not ask for a better situation for this employer-wise. My direct report supports me 110% and my benefits provide for full pay under short term disability. I can take as much time as I need with full pay and the blessing of my supervisor and HR department...what more could you ask for!?

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

My hospital stay was good. The nursing staff was fantastic, very attentive and caring. My pain was quite manageable and I was up and moving the first day. The worst part was the NG tube and the nausea the first day.

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

None what-so-ever

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 focused on keeping a positive attitude.

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

Rest, rest and more rest. I was pretty sore and had trouble sleeping for more than a few hours at a time. If you have the space and the funds I highly recommend renting a recliner. No appetite at all.

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

75 miles from Austin to San Antonio. It has not affected my aftercare at all.

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.

Most all foods, except soup, have been off limits. I am now one month post-op and I still have trouble with most foods. Although I have alot of "head hunger" I have not been truly hungry thus far. I can eat meat, but only the tiniest amounts, very slowly, and chewed very well. I have also tried a bit of salad and did OK. It is strange but eggs, cheese and creamy things really bother me. I love bean and cheese nachos though.

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

My energy level has increased steadily and walking really does help. I still become easily fatigued, but it improves every week.

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

Childrens chewables, sublingual B-12 and calcium chews.

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?

I have had alot of nausea, however no vomiting to date. My sleep patterns were disturbed and although I can now sleep for a full 7-8 hours, I am not able to sleep on my side yet. No dumping thus far and no hair loss.

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

Low energy level, nausea and disrupted sleep patterns.

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

None so far. I have several friends that have had the surgery and we have all supported each other along the way

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

Minimal. I am now almost three years post op and I am actuall able to wear a conservative two-piece bathing suit. :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I do not recall any long lasting plateaus

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely. Mostly men. My family and co-workers were all very good to me before surgery so that has not changed.