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

I thought it was only for people who were severly overweight. Then I realized I was one of those people.

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

Mine was so easy, I didn't have to do anything. The hard part was getting the referral to the surgeon. I'd say just keep trying. Switch PCPs as many times as it takes. I switched 4 times until I found one.

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

Be prepared! Do lots of research and talk to people - these sites are terrific. My surgeon was wonderful (not to mention very handsome) and very understanding. Terrific bedside manner. He was very fatter-of-fact and honest and didn't pull any punches. I like him a lot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to take my daughter to Disneyland. The fear of not being able to fit on the rides is terrifying. I don't want to embarrass her. I don't care about embarrassing me, I worry about her. The other thing is fitting in a desk at school. They're small for the skinny people, so it's like me trying to fit into a size 5.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I considered Lap Band but the success rate wasn't high enough for me to be comfortable with it. If I'm going to have surgery I want it to work th first time. I wen with Lap RnY.

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 biggest fear is that it won't work. As far as complications - it's a surgery. Any surgery has complications. The fact is you could die having your tonsils out. It's up to God. Take all the neceaary precautions (I quit smoking 4 months prior) and that's all you can do. The death rate is SO low for this 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?

They are extremely supportive. I wouldn't change a thing.

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

She is as excited as me! I told her as soon as I started thinking about doing it. My surgery isn't until 12/27, so I'll tellyou later how long I'm out!

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

My hospital stay was wonderful. I did not want for anything. I brought a whole bag full of stuff, but needed none of it. They took care of everything. My surgery was Monday, I was home Wednesday.

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

Not really. I had a slight fever, but I just used the Troflow religiously every hour and walked as soon as I could.

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 get nervous or scared until after I woke up from surgery (a little late!!!)

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

Take it easy! You get very tired very quickly. You may e full of energy at 8 am, but go shopping for an hour & you'll need a nap. Drink, drink, drink, drink, drink! Must stay hydrated!!!

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

Thr hospital is about 45 mins from my house. Virtually no effect on my aftercare.

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'm only 15 days post, so right now I;m on soft foods. So far, I've tolerated everything well.

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

Little activity for about 4 days. The I began walking, going shopping, 7 days post I went back to work.

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

3 Flintstones chewables/day 1 dropper sublingual B-12/day 2 chewable Caltrate/day 2 cups/Sugar Free Carnation Instant Breakfast

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?

Dry heaves immediately following surgery were the worst. But those ended quickly.

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

The bed in the hospital. It was awful!!!

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

I have an online support group that meets 2x a month. Support groups are important. You need to feel like you aren't alone.

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

Better than expected. I have six tiny scars, about an inch long a piece, on my tummy area.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People sit next to me now. When I walk into a store, I am always asked "can I help you?" I was always ignored before' like I had a disease that they might catch.