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

My mother-n-law had a friend that had the surgery, I called her and we spoke about her surgery and then one thing led to another. I was uncertain if that was the choice for me, it is a lifetime commitment and lifestyle change.

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

I had very few problems with my insurance they even let me go out of network to the surgeron that I choose. I would just say make sure you do your research and follow up with the insurance company, also make sure the physic test is done for final approval.

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

I felt very sure that he was right for the job, he was very caring and I knew then I would be fine. Take notes and ask questions, no matter what, there is never a stupid question, remember this is a huge decision and should be dealt with very seriously.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I spoke to other people that went through the procedure, I knew I was ready for the lifestyle change and ready to get back in control of my life instead of the food controlling me, I now am in control of what I eat.

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 was very scared and my surgery was scheduled for noon and they ran 2 1/2 hours late, the person ahead of me had complications which scared me even more. I really thought that I was not going to pull through the surgery, I thought I would be the 1 in 200 not to survive. Then they gave me a sedative to calm me down. I would tell people to look at the over all picture and what the outcome will be in just a short amount of time.

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 family was great, my husband on the other hand was totally against it, I felt that he didn't support me in this decision. I would recommend researching and speaking to those who had surgery, find out the problems that they had or have from the surgery. Today, my family is still supportive, my husband is fine now, he knows that the decision I made possibly saved my life.

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 great, they were very understanding, I told them what type of surgery and why I was doing it. I was off work 5 weeks total.

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

My stay was ok, it was a very small hospital. I was in the hospital 4 days. I would recommend to bring a good pair of slippers and do lots of walking.

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

I did have complications, I got a site infection in my lower incision, my Dr prescribed medication. I did alot of vomiting, sometimes I still vomit. There are alot of things that different people experience that some don't, it is a trial and error kind of thing.

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 very weak from vomiting, I just told myself one day at a time. I took alot of walks to keep my mind off of how I was feeling. I watched the food channel on TV alot, just because I was such a food addict, but I wasn't hungry.

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

My first few weeks were very tough due to the site infection and vomiting. Not all people will have the same outcome, some people have no complications, others have more than their share.

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

I traveled about 30 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 was very limited when I first had surgery, I did alot of vomiting. In the months after I can't drink any milk products, including soy. I don't do very well with red meat products either. I also have a difficult time with white breads, pastas & rice. I try something and if it doesn't agree I avoid it, may at sometime try it again (very seldom).

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

I did alot of walking at first, if only a few blocks, but each day I would go further. Today I attend the health club 3-4 times a week,, my favorite activity is spin class, which I am awsome at.

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

multi, vitamin B, calcium

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?

I would say all of the side effects were very difficult on me. The vomiting was the worse, I still to this day vomit and it has been almost 3 years since surgery.

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

The lower site infection and the vomiting.

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

I sometimes attend support group meetings and my friend & I support each other. We both had the same surgeron and met at the health club and got to talking one day to find out we went through the same process. Having a support person is very important, she knows what I go through and I know what she goes through.

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

My scars are almost gone, I wasn't to concerned with the scarring. More less now concerned with al the loose skin.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none really, almost 3 years out, still loosing weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people do treat you differently when you are of normal size.