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

I'd seen it on TV, read articles on line and in magazines. My primary physician also talked to me about it. I was interested, but scared of surgery.

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

It took just over a year to get approval. Get the facts as to what your insurance company requires ASAP and work on it. Office staff of a qualified bariatric surgeon can help tremendously. Don't take no for an answer. I think it will become easier for people to get insurance approval because of the recent studies that are being concluded and released.

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

I instantly felt at ease with him and felt that I had a future. Read and become informed prior to the visit and make a list of question beforehand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Desperation. Facing the fact that the "one day" I'll lost weight wasn't going to happen without help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have multiple health issues. I didn't feel comfortable with a procedure that was non-reversable and I wanted the less invasive of the procedures.

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?

Being a nurse, my only fear was complications from anesthesia. I would say if it's what you want, dive in. I think when the good Lord is ready, he'll take you. You stand a better chance of being around after having the surgery than you do from not having the surgery.

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 mother was fearful because of previous problems. Otherwise, friends and family were excited for me and very supportive. I wouldn't change how I communicated it.

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

My supervisor is truly the best boss ever. She was totally supportive and still is. She was more excited than most people and motivates me every day. I was out of work for four days.

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

I was in overnight. Stayed about 20-21 hours from the time of check-in. I stayed in the hospital I work in and on the floor that I was charge nurse for many years. I know everyone on the floor and I got fantastic care. I would hope that I would be like that for everyone, but I am biased about where I work. Comfy, soft, loose pajamas or gown. I-pod or CD player.

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

I did not have any complications. I hated the foley catheter I had and had it removed very soon after arriving to my room.

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 didn't have any anxiety at first because it was very structured as to what I could have. The anxiety came down the road as what I could eat was more varied and I had to make choices.

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

I was blessed to have no problems. I had taught myself to chew, chew, chew in the weeks prior to surgery. I had gotten used to not drinking with meals weeks before surgery. I didn't spend much time at home. Three days after surgery, I went on a weekend retreat to scrapbook. I would recommend doing something totally relaxing that you love.

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

My hospital is only 15 minutes from my home.

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 didn't find anything I couldn't eat in the first few weeks because I did everything by the book and didn't venture into the unknown. I had tremendous restriction in the beginning and loved it. It left me with no choice but to limit what I took in. I used that time to develop behavior modification. As how much I could eat and what I could eat increased, I deliberately let myself get hungry for a while to teach myself that I would be ok if I got hungry. Previously I had a fear of being hungry and would always be prepared with something to eat and lived my live around it. I am currently five months out and had my first fill 4 weeks ago. I am worried as some of the cravings come back, but I am using my tool to help battle the demons.

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

I've been limited in activity for years due to osteo arthritis in the knees and degenerative joints in the back. I had been going to water aerobics for a year prior to surgery but because of respiratory problems could only go when the temperature was up outside. I went back to the pool as soon as I could (I had surgery in January). I began walking to the end of my street. As the weight has come off, I am able to go further and do more. My pain is still there, but it's so much easier to move and I can tolerate it better.

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

In the beginning, I was only concerned with getting enough water and protein. Now I take a multivitamin in a addition to that.

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 had no vomiting, no problems related to surgery.

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

Getting through the insurance red tape.

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

I have three support groups in my area. I have attended two of the three. They are all on different weeks, so I can generally make at least one a month. I am committed to try to participate at my facility as often as possible, but my physician is actually at another.

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

Just little red lines. Yes, I expected this. They aren't bad and in a few years, will barely be seen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau this last month. Not bad for five months out. I had an appointment coming up and I was determined to show a loss. I upped my water workout to five days a week from three and very carefully watched what I ate and was able to show a three pound loss and feel even better and motivated to do more. I walked a mile today for the first time in years.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. I love hearing the compliments though.