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

I had known about this type of surgery for some time. I was scared of having it and felt that it was beyond my reach. Then I found out that my husband's insurance would cover it, I was so excited and decided it was for me. I was so excited when I realized this would be the answer I was looking for. This would be the way that I could enjoy life again. That was so important to me. I wanted to feel young.

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

It took me about 1 month to get my approval from my insurance company. In fact I felt so lucky that it went as fast as it did. I kept in close contact with my doctors office and with the insurance company. I followed up at least one time a week with both of them.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was excellent. I felt like he explained everything to us. I felt at ease with him and felt like I would be able to discuss anything with him. I asked alot of questions, as well as did my husband and daughter. He treated us with respect and made us feel that no question was dumb. He took a few minutes to talk to my daughter who is thin, about weight being genetic and explained to her that she needs to be aware of that now so she will not have the same problems I have had. I appreaciated him doing that. You can get the most out of this meeting by asking questions. Don't worry about asking too many questions. This will be a whole new way of living for you and you need to feel that you have the answers you need to put your mind at ease and make an educated decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not stand being overweight any longer. I knew this was the answer for me. Once I knew that I was ready to go.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the procedure my doctor suggested for me. He was the expert. I traveled about 175 miles to have surgery done by this doctor because he was experienced in doing this surgery. I had talked to people who had had him as their surgeon and they were pleased with his work. He came highly recommended, so I trusted his decision on what procedure to use.

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 always have a fear of dying from surgery. But my doctor put my mind at ease about that. I was scared of the pain. At times it was painful but I used my pain med as directed during my hospital stay and that helped alot. Discuss your fears with you doctor. Let them put your mind at ease.

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 immediate family was very supportive of my decision to have surgery. My father was less understanding but supportive of my decision. My brother and sister both felt like I was making a mistake, one I would regret for the rest of my life. Of course, this has not happened. I just focused on the positive comments. I only told a few co-workers I was having surgery. I would not have communicated differently. Everyone has been supportive after surgery, now they see I survived and it looks like I will be surviving.

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

My employer was easy to work with. I explained to him that I was having surgery but did not go into detail what kind I was having. I explained to my immediate supervisor what kind of surgery I was having and she was very supportive. I was out of work for 2 weeks. I wish I would have stayed off work for 4 weeks now, I really pushed it.

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

My hospital stay was a pleasant one. I had good care and the nurses knew what they were doing. I was there for 4 days and felt I was ready to go home.

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

No complications from surgery. I had kidney stones 2 weeks after surgery and that was difficult.

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

As each week would pass I would feel better and better. Coping was difficult at times. I really missed food. I would cry at times because I could not eat what everyone else was eating. Over the past months I have learned to place a lesser value on food. I always remind myself now I eat to live, not live to eat.

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

Give it time. It is hard to walk at first but just keep walking a little further each day. Expect pain, but it is tolerable. I did not use pain killers when I got home from the hospital. The only time I used pain meds was when I had a kidney stone. Take time to take care of you.

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

175 miles.

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 could not eat chicken and beef for a long time. It took me about 3 months before I could eat any type of meat. I ate alot of cheese at this time. Of course I have stayed away from all carbonated and caffienated drinks. I cannot drink any fruit juices. Water has become my best friend.

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

I was walking one mile the first month, two miles the second month and 3+ miles the third month. 4 months out I can ride a bike for 6 miles, exercise for 1 hour and walk 3+ miles a day. I did not lift any heavy items for the first 3 months and am still careful. I want to avoid a hernia. I started out slow and worked up. When I got tired in the beginning I just sat down and rested.

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

Multivitamin each day. I am not yet taking Calcium due to kidney stones at this time.

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?

Dumping - I have to stay away from sweets and fruit.

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

I wasn't prepared for how I would mourn the loss of food. It was so hard at first. Last month I told my husband I would give anything for a drink of Fresca. He said, would you take your 70 pounds back. That really put it in reality for me. Of course I said no, so when I start thinking I am missing out on something, I remind myself the only thing I have lost in this is weight.

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

I have a health group at work. We are all watching what we eat and exercising. It has been great. We meet once a week with a Doctor of Physical Education. I also have a friend who had surgery 2 months before I did and we talk often about the changes we are experiencing. This is a very important part of your new life changes.

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

My scar is fading out. It looks better than I expected it to look. I am pleased with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus are difficult. I have plateaued twice since surgery and I remind myself this is par of the course.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people do treat me differently now. Some treat me like I now fit in with them and others avoid me, like losing weight is a disease. Most people have been quite kind. I think some of it is that we view ourselves differently. I have more confidence and feel I can do more things now than I could do 6 months ago.