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

I first found out about the surgery through a friend. At first I was leaning toward the band but my insurance didnt cover it so I went to bypass. Which after researching much more I know that the band is not "normally" the best choice for someone of my size.

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

My first appt. I spent an hour with Ms Peggy telling her alllll about my diet history, medical history and family medical history. I was also weighed and they checked my height! I then seen the surgeon and he told my husband and I all about the surgery, the procedure, the after care, risks, benefits and was very patient in listening and answering our questions. I then had my blood pressure checked, my hips and stomach measured, a before pic was taken. Then the dr came in to listen to my heart and lungs and showed me where the incisions would be (lap)! I also signed a MILLION papers...LOL

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was set on the surgery after 6 months of researching. My husband was a little skeptical but once he was ok with it I was ready!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had actually researched and had decided on a proceedure. But when I went to the initial appt I asked the drs opinion of what he thought would be best for me. It was actually the same one I had chosen!!

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?

Obviously the fear of dying. But being a Christian I HIGHLY believe that when it is my time it is my time. Whether it be driving in a car, flying in an airplane or simply walking across my yard!

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 is the greatest. My mom and sister are actually interested in the surgery themselves. As far as others there are a few who you can tell arent as "happy" as others but they support me and my decisions!

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

My stay in the hospital was AWESOME! Very friendly staff. Even the janitors. I never felt like a burdon or bother when I had to ask the nurse for anything! I had my surgery on Tuesday morning. Stayed in ICU the first 24 hours then to a regular room. I went home about noon on Thursday!The hospital provided pretty much everything. I needed chapstick and socks!!!

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 felt really well after surgery. No pain, discomfort or complications. Not even the depression I heard a lot of people talk about!

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

I had my surgery LAP and was sent home with a drain tube. I had to keep it for a week. That week was pretty bad. I couldnt walk standing straight up. I had to lean over to the left side (which is were the tube was). But the day it came out I instantly felt better!

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

Only like 35 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.

For the first i think 9 days home I could have only liquid. Then for the next week only soft proteins. Eggs, cottage cheese!!! Then I was able to add some peanut butter, beans, tuna etc after another week. By 4 weeks I was able to each chicken. So far I have had no trouble tolerating anything. I pretty much eat what I want now!

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

I started the day I got home walking 1/2 mile and each day increased it some. For the first week that was all i did was walked..but my energy graduallly increased and I found myself up and about much more!

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

At first I took the Bariatric Advantage B-12, Calcium and Multi Vitamin. Now I am just taking some I bought at the drug store!

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 12 weeks hair loss is really the only of these I have experienced!

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

The bills! My insurance covered most of it but the bills are still rolling in...LOL

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

Due to schedule conflict I am not able to attend in person support group meeting but I have joined several Yahoo egroups and they are WONDERFUL! Its great to talk to other people who have been or maybe is going through the same thing!

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

I had lap so i have 6 scars each about an inch long. They are not as bad as i thought they were gonna be!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

From 5-9 weeks I hit a MAJOR plateau. I feel because I wasnt getting my protein in. I am now loosing again but MUCH slower. This may also have to do with the fact that I am not currently taking my Thyroid meds. I need to have them rechecked

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am actually tired of people asking..."So how much have you lost"! As compared to barely being talked to before! But I am not one to pay much attention or care how others react!