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

My aunt had the surgery, and as I saw how well she was doing, I was encouraged to look into it for myself. An article ran in a local paper about a surgeon in my area. My step-father, who I always respected his advice, though it would be a good idea to look into.

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

I didn't have a lot of direct contact with my insurance until only 3 days before my surgery when I found out that I wasn't approved!!! BC/BS messed up, and they gave my Surgeon's office the approval code for my hospital stay, not the surgery! BC/BS hadn't actually approved the surgery yet. A quick couple of frantic phone calls, and a final call from Customer Service with my approval occurred at 4:58 pm before I was leaving my job on medical leave!

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

Be prepared to wait! And wait. And wait... <p>Take your time and ask as many questions as you need to. Having done research beore hand helps because you will already understand what they are explaining. <p>Don't go in there with a "ideal" date to have surgery in your head. I read so many profiles of people who haven't gotten dates, but say things like "I'm hoping that I can get a date around the first of whenever so that I can do blah blah." Be happy for whatever date you are given and appreciate the time it will give you to learn as much as you can.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The feeling of hope I felt, which I hadn't felt for so long before that night of my new patient orientation meeting.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I made my decision based on my surgeon's recommendations based on his experiences with other patients.

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 slowly dying inside already. And while I was scared, I put my life in God's hands. What was meant to be would happen as it was supposed to.

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?

All of my family and friends were extremely supportive of my decision. I encountered no resistance from anyone, of which I was grateful.

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 supportive, but urged me to look into another option before having the surgery. She expressed concern, but I think it was jealousy (she is extremely overweight.) I was out of work 8 weeks. It was my life and my helath. They had no option but to let me take the time off.

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

I was in the hospital for 2 days. I had never stayed in a hospital before, so I had nothing to compare it to. Slippers were important to bring. Socks are too slippery on those floors, and since you should get up to walk as often as possible to prevent blood clots, slippers help a lot! Don't expect to get a lot of sleep. It just won't happen, and you will go home tired!

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

I had no complications. I ran a very high fever for a few hours my first night home, but it went away, and I was Ok after that.

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 so anxious that everytime I said the word "Hospital" I would sick to my stomach! Finally, the Psychologist I was seeing did hyptnosis on me. I remember thinking "This is stupid, and it isn't going to work." but, believe it or not, I felt so clam about my decision that those last few days were quite manageable! I would recommend hyptnosis to anyone to help with anxiety.

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

I was so depressed and devastated about losing my best friend, Food, that I had a tough recovery period, mentally. Those first few weeks were a roller coaster, and I couldn't get off. It was hell on me.

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

I traveled 45 minutes. It has made aftercare difficult because I don't like the drive to attend support group meetings.

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.

In the weeks following surgery, I had a problem with anything dry. Eggs upset my stomach, as well as shellfish like lobster, shrimp and crab. Pasta, even now 2 years post-op, still fills me up really fast! However, I notice that some days I seem to be able to eat "normal" and some days I get full after a few bites. There is no rhyme or reason to it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people definitely treat me differently now. People smile at me more, and I get the door held open for me. men talk to me more. I mentioned this to a friend, saying that I see weight discrimination. She pointed out that perhaps I'm noticing people being more friendly because I'm more friendly now that I've lost weight. I think that is a big part of it. I'm a happier person now, and it shows on my face.