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

On the web. I was interested in it.

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

It wasn't too dificult once they got the paper work. CALL CALL AND CALL AGAIN to make sure they have everything they need.

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

I had already done a lot of research so I didn't have too many questions. The surgeon I pick was the second one I went to. I liked him. The first one was okay, but I choose to go with the one I felt most comfortable with. Bring a list of your questions and you diet history.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to have to go shopping to buy bigger clothes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the LAP RNY. From my research it looked like the RNY had a greater precentage of successes and the LAP has a quicker heal time.

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?

Well at the time I would rather be dead than fat so I didn't worry.

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 wasn't too sure at first. It took a lot of conviencing. He went to the surgeons with me and that help. I had him read information. He supported me 150% after that and now he can't remember why he was 'against' it at first.

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

They were concerned. I told them the truth. I was out for 6 weeks, I could have come back earlier if I wanted or had to.

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

It was okay, after the fixed the little medication pump. I was there 3 days. They had everything I needed. I did bring books, crossword puzzles. It help to have visitors after the first 24 hours.

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

No complications

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

TIRED, TIRED and TIRED. It took awhile to get use to not having much inside me.

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

I slept alot. Didn't really move around much. Was a little depressed. Later I started walking and that improved my mood.

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

15 minutes, but I have since moved and it's more like an hours drive now. I haven't gone to the support meetings.

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 followed the doctors eating plan. 1st 2 weeks liquids, then slowly added soft foods, than regular food. I bought a little child tea set to use a dishes and it help with learning the proper portions (it was kind of fun too). I can not eat anything from a pig (ham, pork, bacon) as it still makes me sick.

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

At first I wasn't very active, but 8 weeks later I was in London walking my legs off. Had a great time!

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

60 grams protien supplements Calcium (citrate) B12 Folic Acid MSM Biotin Vitamin K Centrum Chewable Vitamin (the complete) Vitamin A&D Vitamin E

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 didn't have too many side effects. I did lose a little hair, but it came back. I do dump once in awhile if I get too much sugar. Occassionaly I will vomit, if there is something wrong with the food (i.e. doesn't taste right, too hot or didn't chew it well. Also Fat Free cheese has a tendance to make a 'ball' that won't go down.

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

Right after the surgery when you go WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF!!!!

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

I read a few OSSG groups on Yahoo. The best group is the grads group as this is where I learned about vitamins and protien.

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

Had LAP, only little scars...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't weigh myself but one a month. I refused to weigh every day (it's pointless). So if I had a plateau I didn't know it. I did loose weight slowly at first, but after my gallblader came out and I went on glocophauge the weight dropped off rapidly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. I never had three men, at the same time, rush to open a door for me. My salary has also increased BIG TIME.