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

A friend in college had it done- I was excited and wanted to do it.

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

I was denied after the first letter because of my age (20) and they said I didn't have enough significant health problems. Advice is... don't give up- call them everyday if you have to- they'll finally give in.

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

It was at an informational meeting- and he was very leery of me because I was so young- but still very nice.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A bundle of things together- I saw pictures from my sister's wedding and I looked horrible- my fat arms and back hanging out and the cute little bridesmaids in the strapless dresses and me in a circus tent.

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

Hospital stay was kind of a blur. I was in for 2 nights, 3 days. Bring chapstick!! Everyone says to bring something to read- but I slept most of the time- no time to read.

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

no

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 scared to death. I went to the support group- the people there reassured me that everything would go fine and were very helpful and supportive.

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

I wasn't used to getting nauseated at the smell or sight of food. I was so bored- I didn't know wwhat to do with myself since i wasn't constantly baking, cooking, or eating something.

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

45 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.

I was on protein shakes- five per day the first two weeks- along with s/f jello, s/f popsicles, crystal light, and broth. I go so tired of not chewing- it was horrible. But well worth it. The second and third weeks I got to eat soft foods- eggs, cottage cheese, tuna, chicken, yogurt --- this was a godsend- i was so happy to chew. I do not tolerate red meat though- along with a lot of other people.

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

I go to physical therapy every day...which helps with my mind and body. Support group is great--- everyone there is in a different stage of the weight loss journey and it's interesting to hear their stories.

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

I have five very small scars. I thought they would be a lot bigger!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet--- only 4 weeks out

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

um... the people that knew about the surgery- I feel like they are judging me. But people that I don't normally see-- they see more self confidence in myself and that i'm getting thinner--- they just reassure me a lot more.