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

I found out about this type of surgery 10 years ago when my husband had it. Things have really changed over the years. I was a little scared of it back then. I was not really sure it would work. Well, my husband has kept the weight off and he is much more healthier now than he has ever been.

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

The insurance process was not that bad for me. But I have experienced a horro story when my husband had to wait so long and do all kinds of things prior to getting approval for his surgery some 10 yrs. ago.My best advice would be to be patient and in the end you win.

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

Very pleasant and informative. I had all my questions answered while I was there. I recommend that you write all the questions and reservations down prior to that appointment so that you get the answers you need before you leave there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I realized at the seminar that I was considered obese and that my health issues were only going to get worse as the weight continued to be put on. I also realized I needed to do something when I was watching food intake and exercising 5 times a week and not a single inch or pound was removed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the long term success rate was the option that I wanted to focus on. I also wanted the procedure that would be the most successful in the long run.

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?

These fears are normal but I was not really focused on that so much as what I was going to feel like once the procedure was done. Being a born again Christian I really had not fear of dying from the procedure.

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 a select few people about my surgery only because I only wanted the ones I knew would give me support to know. My husband and a few of my friends are very supportive and they are very encouraging.

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

My supervisor was very supportive and he also was told that I was having weight reduction surgery. He was concerned that I be as well as I could be. He was not concerned about the job but me personally. I was out of work for two weeks.

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

It was very informative and eye opening. The seminar was very good and made me realize how serious this problem is and its risk and it was not a decision to take lightly. I was very happy I attended and I think anyone considering this option should attend.

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

2 days and my stay was very pleasant. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes there so you can be comfy going home.

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

none at all.

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 on an emotional roller coaster because I did not think that I should have the surgery because I was not as large as some people but I had health concerns that dictated and aided me in my decision. I have a husband and Pastor who both had the surgery so they were very supportive in listening to me and easing my anxiety.

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

There was minimum pain but the real secret is to walk like they tell you and begin exercising as soon as you are told to. I say to follow your doctors orders and also check out the support groups on line because they were very helpful to me when it was just simple questions.

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

about 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.

Stay away from Broccoli clogs you up everytime. It is really weird not to feel hungry at first and how full you feel just drinking water and the protein drinks. 1 month out lost the ability to drink protein drinks so I am getting other means of protein through lots of fish and chicken but all has to be cooked a certain way in order not to be too dry. Beef jerky is really good protein source also-watch that sodium though. Not all crackers work for me..wheat thins and whole wheat ritz work but only the serving size nothing more and usually eaten with tuna. My best advice is trial and error because everyone is different. I could eat refried beans at first and now I dislike them and they turn my tummy but my husband loves them and they sit well with him.

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

At first I was just making it a point to walk around my house three times a day and as the days turned into weeks it was a stroll around the block and then its a 3 mile walk daily and now incorporating some weight lifting and cardio and doing some other activities I enjoyed before like bowling, shooting pool, swimming, etc.

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

I take my multivitamin with iron, biotin, pepcid, and still doing BP meds at least until December-my physical is then, B12 and I take my Ciltrate too!

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 have nausea at some point everyday but only for a moment right after the first bite. I sleep really well thesedays, I have only had dumping 5 times in my 3 months post op and usually because something did not sit well.

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

For me the liquid diet was the most difficult and hardest to make muself stay on the alotted time frame but it passes quickly.

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

I have a husband and Pastor that have had the surgery and I also do online support group and it really does ease the anxiety when you can talk with people about the experiences you are having.

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

My scar is very minimal and it is less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had two plateaus but they did not last longer than 7 days. I found that, that is when I increased my activities and the weight started dropping again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that people look alot and especially if it is someone who has not seen me in awhile.