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

I found it on the internet. My first impressions, was that it wasn't for me because it was such a drastic measure...but then I went over what all I have been through and the money I have spent thoughout my life and it hit me, this is my last resort, and my last hope.

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

I was just not as patient as I should have been, but the doctors office took care of most of it, but I did prepare a letter and information to back up my need and argument for the sugery with the Doctor's letter.

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

It was very good, I took all of my info with me, and he was impressed with the research I had done. He was very helpful and he answered all of my questions, he also set up the next steps like seeing the nutritionist and getting a psyche evaluation, very easy to follow.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want the next 30 some years of my life to be Living! not worrying that I am not "good enough"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Mainly the doctor was more comfortable with the open, and to me the scar is nothing but a battle mark to keep reminding me that I will win this battle...finally!

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 really didn't have the fears of complications or dying, I...actually looked at it as more of a vacation from reality. If I were to die, I would have been in a better place and have the opportunity to come back as a dancer *smile* I had a good outlook going in, so I think that helped me get through it as well as I did.

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?

All were shocked and were against it at first until I showed them all of the findings and stats. Yet after the surgery all were supportive. But I do believe some of my "Friends" will become uneasy with my weight loss. Because now I am not the fat friend any more...I am an attractive, active woman in her prime! whooo hooo

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

They reacted very well, as I said my boss told me sometimes we have to do things to make us feel good in our own skins...and this is what I did. I was out of work 2 and 1/2 to 3 weeks, total.

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

The stay was fine, I had my mother to look after me, she was an RN. And my fiance was the night shift. I was there 5 days, and the most important things, What ever makes one feel "fresher" like baby wipes, powder, deoderant, hairbrush.

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

yes, my lung semi collapsed, but I delt with it, I did the "exersises" they recommended and got though it.

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! Impatient. I walked, ate, did anything to cope

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

It was interesting, making sure I ate the appropriate foods and the amounts, also getting in the correct amount of water. People should expect not to push themselves, take it slow, just try to get the food in and eat slow! also, get that water in make sure those kidneys keep functioning!

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

Not too far, it was the town's hospital.

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.

At first my sensation of fullness was different, so I had to make sure I didn't over eat. The first week was clear liquids, then for 2 weeks full liquids, then pureed...I had to make sure I didn't eat too fast, that made the food "stick" in my esophogus and made me throw up. Also, reminding myself to chew even some of the full liquids...were thick enough to make sure one didn't eat fast and made sure it went down like a smooth liquid.

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

after 3 weeks I was in a parade walked...and now I try to walk for at least 30minutes a day

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

Chewable vitamin, B complex sublinqual, and sometimes to get the protein in a protein drink such as soy or whey protein drink

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?

so far the "sticking" feeling when I eat too fast, it hurts until I vomit up what is "stuck"

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

Pulling out that one tube...not sure it wasn't a true drainage tube, but that HURT!!!

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

Every two weeks a group of post and pre -ops get together and talk. It was very helpful when I was a pre op, the post ops told me what I should take with me to the hospital and what to expect pain wise...it was great.

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

yes it is what I expected. It is 5 inches or so long I just think of it as my battle scar. (the winning battle scar)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was on a plateau 3 weeks out... it was just that I hadn't started my walking program

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes...and I am thinking it will get more intense.