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

My parents told me about it. I had never even considered it before. I felt there was a stigma attached. But when you're at the end of your rope, you find ways to cope with those preconceived ideas. I have no problem in any way whatsoever now. It's the best thing I could have done for myself.

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

My insurance would not cover the procedure under any circumstances. I chose to be self-pay, which didn't make things that much easier. My surgeon still required that I go through months of counseling before he would consider the surgery. Eventually, he conceded. What a relief! I was lucky enough to have the financial means to pay for the surgery, otherwise I would still be where I was two months ago -- fat, unhappy, and totally lost.

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

Research the procedures ahead of time, write down any questions you have, and ASK THEM. Don't be afraid. It's your body they will be cutting into! My surgeon was very busy, so I had to make sure I knew exactly what I wanted to ask and make the most of my time with him. He was great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was very worried about having a scar, for some stupid reason. I've got miles of stretch marks on my body already, so who knows what I was thinking. This prevented me from making my decision right away. But I soon realized that this was my only option, and that having a scar was a small price to pay for a longer and more productive (happy) life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was easy, too. I'd heard bad things about the VBG, but decided I didn't want to go through the more invasive bypass procedure. I had only one co-morbidity (high blood pressure), which was controlled by meds, a very good health record, strong muscles and bones, and youth on my side. I felt that the VBG would be a good option for me, and it has been so far. BTW, the bad things I heard about the VBG were mainly complaints of 'failure". Because the lower intestine is not rerouted, the new stomach can stretch out eventually (if pushed) and you can gain the weight back. Basically, the VBG simply makes a smaller stomach -- everything else is left in tact.

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 wasn't that scared. I had a lot of faith in my surgeon, I knew that the procedure was much less invasive than the others, and I was very healthy and young. I did prepare a statement of my wishes had I passed, however. There's always a risk, albeit a small one.

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 and friends were extremely supportive. I can't remember getting any negative feedback about my decision at all. After all, my parents suggested it in the first place, so I had the most important people on my side from the get go. I told three of my co-workers, including my immediate supervisor. It's hard to hide the real reason you're going to be gone for up to six weeks...certainly not to remove a gall bladder. BUT, they were great and they continue to support me like my friends and family. It's been wonderful.

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

See above. I was going to lie originally and tell them I needed my gall bladder removed. BUT, gall bladder surgery doesn't require six weeks recovery, and that is how long I planned to be away. Believe me, I struggled with this because I value my privacy and I did not want to be the talk of the office. Eventually I felt that I really needed them to know because it is such a major operation and it will affect the rest of my life -- including my work life. I told them that I had good news and bad news...the good news was that they would see me transform into a highly energetic, wonderfully happy employee in the next few months...the bad news was that I was going to be gone for six weeks. Then they said the nicest thing possible -- "Karen, you are *already* a highly energetic and wonderfully happy employee." I almost cried. Needless to say, they were very supportive. I love them.

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

Wonderful. No complications whatsoever. I was in for three days. I had a private room and lots of good care. It was great. I checked out what other people had brought with them to the hospital, and what they said I wouldn't need. I created a list based on the research from this site. BRING A FAN!

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

No. Everything went as 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?

Excited, a little nervous and way too anxious to get it done.

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

General discomfort from the incision. Couldn't get in enough protein. It went pretty well, tho. I even went back to work two weeks early.

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

My surgeon is local. It was very convenient.

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.

I was on a blenderized diet for eight weeks post op. I could eat pretty much anything I wanted as long as it was fluid enough to go through a straw (but I wasn't allowed to drink with a straw -- too much air). I am now on very soft solid foods. I can eat almost anything, but I am avoiding soft breads. They get stuck in my stomach and I throw up. I eat a high protein diet and try to stay away from surgars and carbs. Pop is hard -- my stomach does not like the bubbles. I burp a lot.

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

I had a lot of energy farily soon after surgery. I wanted to get up and go. At about four weeks I was almost completely better. My scar is still healing now (8 weeks post op) but I feel very normal -- like it never happened! Except that I am losing weight much easier than ever before!

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

I take a chewable multi-vitamin each day. It's Children's Centrum. Other than that, I eat regular foods and that provides me with everything else I need.

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 did have a problem with what felt like heartburn, but my doc said it couldn't be because the new stomach does not produce acid. He determined that it was probably the sphincter muscle in my throat adjusting to the surgery. It's almost gone now. I did use some antacid and liquid painkiller prescribed by my general practitioner for the pain.

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

Pain from the incision and the internal healing process. I threw up a couple of times and that was NOT fun, but other than that it's been pretty smooth sailing.

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

None at the moment.

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

My scar is seven inches long and stretches from the tip of my sternum to about an inch above my belly button. It's raised slightly and still a bit red, but it's feeling much better. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really didn't care once I decided to have the surgery. I use Vitamin E oil on it almost daily to help the healing process.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ugh. I hit a plateau once I started back on solid food -- a whole week and a half! I was devastated. I thought, 'why did I even do this?' But it was just the normal thing your body goes through and now I am losing again. I try to drink a lot of water, which really helps, and eating a high protein diet really melts the pounds off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. I haven't lost enough weight to really make a huge difference. I'm sure I will notice getting 'noticed' by men, however, when I drop a few more pounds. That always seems to pick up when I lose weight. Thank GOD!