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

When I first heard about it, I thought it was barbaric and couldn't imagine anyone doing it.

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

I don't understand why our prime insurance, Scott & White, won't pay a penny. When you consider how much they're paying for all the weight related problems, I would think it would be cheaper. Luckily my husband is retired military so our TriCare paid for most of it.

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

I went to the orientation seminar. At that point I was already pretty much resigned to getting the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Wanting to be around for my children and future grandchildren. My health was going downhill fast, and I watched a friend who had the surgery doing so great, it seemed like the only option.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time, the doctor was only performing the bypass surgeries. Since my surgery he has started doing the lap-band also.

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 prayed alot about the decision and felt like it was the right thing to do. I was totally at peace with the decision. It was actually the most peaceful I've ever felt going into a surgery.

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

I was on morphine and when I'm on morphine, nothing else matters! I mostly slept. I don't think I used anything I took with me.

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

Yes, but not for 5 weeks. I can't go into all that in this little space!

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 pretty good considering. There were times when I questioned why I did it. I also got kind of bored with the diet the first few weeks and would rather have not eaten anything. But I kept telling myself it would get better soon.

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

To be tired! Maybe it is my age, but I really was exhausted and didn't want to do much of anything. Luckily I had family who were there to inspire me to walk and do things for myself. Also, the food regime was so boring, at times I would just as soon not eat anything.

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

15 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 had just graduated to most protein and a little vegetable when I had my complications, so it isn't really pertinent. At one year, I can eat almost everything. Things that bother me are sausage, deep fried foods, and I haven't tried steak yet. I've been surprised to find I can eat so many things without getting sick. I've also been surprised to find I can eat a little dessert and be satisfied!

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

Actually, it was better than before surgery. I was so out-of-shape that I barely did anything. I only walked as far as I had to for daily activities. After surgery I made myself walk and move around.

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

I take 2 vitamins a day, 2 calcium citrates a day (not as much as I'm supposed to), and I still take cholesterol medication.

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?

The hair loss was pretty dramatic for me. Luckily I had alot to start with. But it got to the point I was using a lint roller on my body when I got out of the shower! I'm back to normal now, though. I have sleep disturbances alot, but I don't know if it is related to the surgery or not.

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

Eating an egg a day for an entire week?! Seriously, I didn't have a "normal" experience so I don't think any of my answers would be valid.

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

I had just started the support group when I went back to the hospital. After I got out, I never got back to the support group. I did go to a get-together once and it was fun. Also, I had post-op people I talked to on email who were supporting me.

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

I don't know what my initial scar is like because I have so many more now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I started reaching plateaus, it didn't really bother me because I was so thankful to have lost as much as I did. It surprises me that I'm still losing considering what I eat now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most definetly! People who knew me before treat me with more respect. Of course, I demand more respect now! Instead of expecting people I meet to look down on me, I expect them to show me respect and value me.