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

I heard of it in passing mostly. A woman I work with spoke of having it, so when she did, I watched her and asked a lot of questions before ever attending a seminar. I'm glad she's there to answer my silly questions!

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

I really didn't have to do anything but give my Doctor a copy of my Insurance Card. His office handled it.

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

It was great, he was quick and to the point..just like me!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Observing a co-worker who had the surgery, seeing her results.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided.

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 didn't have any fears, but I've had surgery before. People who haven't had surgery might not be as comfortable. I was concerned that I had forgotten to paint my toenails! Just relax. If you are too anxious, read an uplifting book or article. I also took mass from in-hospital clergy. (just in case) :)

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?

Mostly very supportive. My husband thought I would be thin when I came home from the hospital! Note: Take spouse to seminar, and pre-op appts!

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

I didn't tell them. I just took a week off (my vacation) I had surgery on Tuesday, back to work the following Monday.

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

The hospital stay was fine. I was there 2 days, one night. Spent most of the time sleeping. Bring slippers and a scrunchie! I forgot mine, the rubberband the nurse gave me had to be cut from my hair when I got home.

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

None

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 excited. I felt a bit nervous a couple of days before, but only briefly.

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

First week...well it sucked! Liquid diet, diarrhea, and dizziness. Second week..soft foods, eggs never tasted so good! Still dizzy. Third week...CRAB-yummy! But can only eat 2-3 bites, fine with me! Still dizzy, but it subsided by the end of the third week.

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

10 min.

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.

Artichokes..my favorite food, is tough to digest. Stay away from bubbly drinks they say lettuce, but I'm not sure about that.

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

first few days, not much activity, by week one, I walked to the end of my block and back, plus I worked full time and went to school. Now I walk about a mile/dayish :) and work, school, kids.

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

Flintstones initially Now Centrum

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?

Still dealing with nausea, occasionally, sleep is fine, no hair loss yet (eek) and no dumping.

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

Coming out of the anesthetic. Only being able to take one bite of my favorite foods. I'm not hungry, but it still tastes good!

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

A co-worker, that's it for now, I'm very busy :)

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

thats scars, plural, they are very small incision scars. I expected them to be worse, no big deal, not like I've ever worn a bikini anyway!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, but I understand it's natural.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

kind of, that whole "you're losing weight" thing, but that's it. (It's great!!!)