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

I first heard about it from someone who was checking into it for themselves. Then i started my research. I checked everywhere for information on it. I also informed my physician of my research progress. He was not that informed on the procedures. Together we worked to find answers.

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

I didn't have a problem with my approval.

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

DO research! I went into my first meeting with questions. He was great! He was surprised i had done my homework! I left feeling every confident in my choice of doctors!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My family doctor suggested i have it done. I did research on this and made up my mind that this could help me. I was injured at work and have a messed up back now. By getting the extra weight off, the extra stress on my lower back would also get better. And to date, it has. But i still have a ways to go...but i'll never fully be rid of my back problems. But i am so glad i had this done!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon walked me through it. He asked as well as i asked questions.

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 kept telling myself, if it was my turn to die, then i lived a great life! I know that sounds strange, but if it was going to happen, what can you do to change it??? I am a positive person, and i think by thinking positive, this has helped me tremedously! My family thought i was going to die. My mother dropped me off at the hospital in tears, she thought that was the last time she'd see me alive. Knowing that, i was scared. But doing my research, and knowing that so many more people are helped by this, then the few that die, HELPED ME GET THROUGH THE STRESS.

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 friends and family thought i was nuts. Some thought i was "cheating". But i am very positive, which has helped me through alot of challenging things in my life. They now see the new me, and they are all proud of me, and proud and now telling other people about this wonderful surgery.

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

i was out of work for ten days. They were concerned, but didn't voice it. Now they tell me how great i look. And always ask, "how am i doing? How do i feel? Any regrets?" I am so very glad i had this done.

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 four days. I felt very comfortable there. The staff was very educated on the surgery and possible post-op problems. What i brought to the hospital i didn't use. I did have a nice pair of slippers, which i used sometimes hourly. I got up and started to walk the same day as surgery.

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

I had to have my stomach dialated a month after surgery. Since i had that done, i havn't had any problems.

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 so excited to be FINALLY scheduled for this. My family was the downside. They thought i was nuts. That i was going to die having this done. That i was "cheating". I just kept telling myself... "who am i cheating? I am doing this for myself. I deserve to be treated like a human, instead of a joke. I am too young to have to live like this." And when i woke up on the way back to my hospital room, i knew i was going to be OK!

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

The first few weeks were different. I only had liquids to eat. My family was always checking on me. I guess that is good, but i hated it. I couldn't get enough to drink during this period. I later found out, this was because my body was losing water weight so fast, that this was the only way my body could react to it.

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

The hospital i had surgery at was 45 minutes away.

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.

Eating is different now. I love red meats. And to date, I can't tolerate them. Sweets are not good either. I get sick when i eat something like frosted cake, even a sliver. WHICH IS GOOD! I do eat more salads, more soups, and more fish and chicken. I find myself chewing the daylights out of everything. I used to drink while eating, that has also changed. I drink something when i'm done eating. Things are getting easier everyday. I love the new me!

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

After surgery i was sore. I had this surgery done laproscopically. Then i had a allergic reaction to the stanless steal staples. I was so glad to get those out! My energy levels soared after the first few weeks. I found myself doing more and more, within limits. Even today, at five months, I have so much more energy then i can remember having!

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

I take childrens chewables daily. I started to take two daily, then when my children caught colds, i increased to three. I never decreased that amount. I havn't gotten sick either since!

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?

At five months into post op... i am experiencing hair thinning. This scares me. I am eating protein. I do dump weekly. At first this scared me also...but i'm ok with it. I'd rather dump it, then to be in pain from having eaten too much, or having something stuck. Things are getting easier each day. I just have to be patient with myself and take "baby steps".

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

The worst part for me was the weighting for a date. After that, it was exciting. I am so glad i did this. I am finding a whole new me! And i'm starting to live my life... at 40. WHAT A GREAT FEELING!

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

right now i'm not involved in one. Although i had good intensions of attending, just weather hasn't agreed with it. I will soon attend

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

I have six small scars. They are about one inch to two inches long. They are fading. They are also a reminder of what i went through to get where i am today

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far... at five months....i have only slowed down. I haven't experienced any plateaus as yet. WHAT A FEELING!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! People look at me. But i think to myself, if i wasn't good enough before, what makes me good enough now?