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

A total stranger shared her experiences with me while I was waiting for a friend in a doctor's office. I was excited from the onset and began my research from there.

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

I got my approval before I ever went to see my surgeon, by getting a letter from my personal physician. I know I was fortunate in getting this done.

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

Very informative. Come with questions in hand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health problems and my surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon explained what he prefers and I went for it.

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 afraid of complications and dying only the last day before surgery. Chalked it up to preop jitters.

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 family has been supportive. My daughter, an RN was a little reluctant till she got all the answers she wanted. She likes my doctor though.

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

Don't work

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

Hospital stay was mostly good. I was there 5 days. Bring bare essentials and don't forget the wooden spoon!

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

Allergy to Heprin and an antibiotic. Staff took care of problem.

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 still don't feel very well. It's been 2 weeks. I just cope a day at a time and by continuing to seek support group and education.

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

I was uncomfortable and it seemed to take a while for my energy to return, but I figure I did well for my age (51 at the time).

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

30 mi.

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 started out on a liquid only diet, then advanced to soups and finally to chicken. Didn't eat beef for about 6 months--just didn't want it. Still don't tolerate much fat. Couldn't stand sugar or even to smell anything sweet for the first year. Now I can stand to smell it, but don't want much sugar in my mouth. This past Thanksgiving I finally ate a small piece of cheesecake but that was enough. I'm 1 year post-op now.

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

It took a while for my energy level to return, but I had been suffering from Fibromyalgia and alot pain before surgery. After 5 months went back to school and got my Medical Assistant certification. I made straight A's in school and had perfect attendance! Loved every minute of it!

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

I took Biotin and a Multi vitamin for a while, but now I just take Calcium every day because I am in menopause. Multis always seem to make me want to eat more for some reason.

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

Dr. Alexander's online support and Dallasites online group.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had several plateaus beginning at about 6 months, but I find I lose inches while on a plateau and if I simply cut back on carbs I start losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and I love it! I've always been outgoing, but now more so. I also notice I can get guys to help me when I need them. Today for instance, I needed air in my tire and a guy just voluteered. Not bad for a 52 yr. old woman!