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

I heard about bariatric surgery years ago, when the bypass was popular. However, never considered wls until I saw a Realize television commercial.

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

My insurance, United Health Care had an exclusion to all wls. It was the policy my employeers picked. I was self pay. Oddly enough, I retired 3 months after my wls. My retirement insurance is through my pension board and wls is covered. That sucks.

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

My surgeon was present at the informational seminar. What impressed me was that he also had a band and would be able to relate to any issues I would have. I think you would get more from this seminar if you accessed a weight loss forum and just read posts for weeks. I found that I already knew the answers to the questions everyone was asking.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired and depressed. I realized I needed help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Cost was the ultimate decision maker. I was self-pay and a hospital stay was not an option.

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?

My only fear was that my band wouldn't woek properly. Unfortunately, I have had several surgeries before and a mom who is a nurse. I would tel anyone that is afraid of wls that I would be more fearful of having to live the rest of my shortened life obese.

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?

I only told one sister and one friend. I didn't want anyone to know that I couldn't do it by myself. I am 6 months out and I still have not told anyone else. Not even my three adult children or my mom. I don't think my family viewed being overweight the same way I did. Everytime I looked in the mirror or tried to get dressed, I was reminded that I had failed at a major task in life (staying healthy).

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

I did not tell antyone at work. I had been having medical issues for several years, so it was not unusual for me to burn sick time. I was in the process of retiring, so no questions were asked. I had been at the same job for 23 years.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I found it very informative. The speaker for the seminar was banded. I came home from the seminar and got online looking for additional information. I was very glad I went. The seminar was when I decided for sure to have wls.

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

My surgery was out-patient. I was back home within 4 hours. I don't think you need to bring anything except a driver. I did not find this surgery that uncomfortable. The only pain I felt was when the pain doc put something in my IV,

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

No complications. Had surgery on Monday, went back to work on Wednesday. I was really tired so I came home and didn't return to work until the following Monday.

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 like my normal self by the third week. I had a post-op appointment one week after surgery. Dr. C checked my band under floro at four weeks out. Being able to see my band and actually see it work removed all my anxiety.

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

The first two days, I slept alot and sipped, sipped sipped on Isopure. I walked up my stairs three hours after surgery, and made that trip several more times the same day. I slept in my bed with no problems. Getting in and out of the bed felt like it did after giving birth.

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

I only traveled about 5 miles for my surgery.

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 followed my doctor and NUT's plan. The only thing that c I have found that I don't tolerate dry chicken and unpeeled apples. I have discoered that I don't toleraate spicy foods like I used to.

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

I walked 60 miles two weeks before my wls. I started walking again at about two weeks out, By one month outm I was walking 4 - 5 miles at least four times a week.

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

I am taking Centrum chewables and 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 had no issues

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

Having to pay for it out of pocket was the worse, but worth it.

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

My surgeon has a support group, but I have not attended. I find using the OH forum to be most benficial

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

My surgeon was kind enough to use a pre-existing scar from a hernia repair for my port placement. I keloid, so my scars are dark and visible. I expected scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been loosing weight at the rate of just over two pounds a week. To date no plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I think when you are overweight you are invisible. Especially to men.