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

My general practitioner recommended the surgery. My first impressions was that it was extreme, but I'm at a point in my life where I have to do something.

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

My insurance approval was a breeze. The doctor submitted to it Cigna a person named Michael hand delivered it to the medical review board on a Wednesday and I knew I was approved the following Monday.

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

I was excited about my first visit...I met people in the waiting room who had the surgery and who was thinking of having it...it was really nice to meet people with a postive attitude about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking at myself in the mirror and my husband.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided for me.

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?

We must all realize there are complications with any surgery. I think my main concern was blood clotting. I have to admit this really made me nervous and made me think twice about the surgery. I've made peace with God.

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 friends were somewhat supportive, they all questioned my decision. I feel they are concerned for me. I'm glad their concerned, but a little enthusiasm would help me out, instead of the negative attitude.

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 WONDERFUL...she to was concerned and said she didn't think I needed the surgery. I told her she doesn't know how I feel and what it's like being overweight. She's a size 8...

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

A hospital is a hospital, but my stay was great. I was in for three day. I had a private room, which gave me the utmost privacy. My nurses were wonderful...I can't complain. I would recommend chap stick....

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

I'm six weeks post and I haven't had any complications yet....I'm very thankful to God and my surgeon Dr. Halmi.

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 nervous and my mind was racing. I was constantly thinking oh lord....should I do this......It was an emotional rollercoaster. I tried to eat a little of everything that I like, but didn't get the sushi in and that's what I'm craving now. To deal with the anxiety I chatted with friends on this site and actually I took half of an ativan at night so I could sleep.

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

The first week home, I mainly stay in the bed. I did get up to fix myself something to eat...peanut butter on cracker...and go to the bathroom.... I tried walking around the house during the day so I could get a little exercise. They tell you to walk, walk, walk. I went off my pain medicine after day three at home..they were making me feel worse...all I wanted to do was sleep...once I went off the meds and started walking I felt better.

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

I travel ten miles.

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.

Coming home from hospital I ate...peanut butter on crackers, sf jello, sf popsicle, sf fudgesicle, tuna, refried beans, scrambled egg with cheese, I nibbled on cheese, cottage cheese, applesauce, vienna sausages. I tried to eat as much protein as possible. I didn't get sick from any of my foods.

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

First few days...walking around the house. Day 7...I went outside for a short walk and started walking outside after this time. I'm six weeks post and still get very tired...quick.

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

I take childrens chewables from Walmart..One Source. Caltrate 600 Iron pills Protein shakes. B12

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 haven't experienced any yet...

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

The soreness in the stomach...from the retractors they use to pull the stomach open.

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

My husband worked after I came home. My sister in law came for one day, but I took care of myself. I think this made me get up and move around more.

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

My scar is about three inches long...it is what I expected..my surgeon said it would be small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, some. Especially the ones who knew of the surgery. I see them staring at me...also, my co-workers always want to know what I bring for lunch.