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

I found out about bariatric surgery from a friend of mine that has struggled with her weight for many years as well. She mentioned to me she was considering the surgery and gave me a website to check out. I was VERY impressed with it because I knew I could lose weight but maintaining it is what I needed help with and the surgery seemed to be an aid in doing that.

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

Find out as soon as possible if your insurance company will pay for the surgery and what their requirements are. Gather all the details you can to submit to your insurance company. It is better to give them too much information than no enough. Be sure to dot all of your "i's" and cross all of your "t"'s. It will help you get approved the first time around.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was long awaited. I had a list of questions written down and he allowed me to go through all of them and address my concerns. Be prepared and do not be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem dumb. It's your health and life you are asking about!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally made up my mind to have the surgery after reaching my highest weight ever of 253 lbs. I have been as small of 143lbs but NEVER have I been able to maintain my loss. All diets work temporary but I knew in my heart I would always gain the weight back and needed a permanent tool..

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to go with the RNY vs. the lapband because I am a junk food junkie. I wanted something that would be permanent and I would not have to tweak to get it to work. I wanted something that would take the control out of my hands and force me to make better choices or suffer the consequences.

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?

The only fear I had was dying from a blood clot after surgery. I knew that was the #1 reason people die after bariatric surgery. I talked to my doctor about it and he informed me of what things to do to avoid this. Having fears before undergoing surgery is perfectly normal. Listen to your doctor and follow his instructions, pray and everything will be just fine.

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?

I choose not to tell my family or friends. The only person I shared my surgery with is my husband. Still no one knows....

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

I choose not to tell my employer/supervisor about my surgery. I was out of work 1 week.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was very nervous about attending the seminar. I was also embarrassed that I was turning to surgery to help me get healthy. In the end, I was VERY glad that I attended and it was the first step towards my new life.

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

My hospital stay was smooth. I was there for 4 days instead of 2 due to my heart rate not coming down to a normal level. The most important things I took with me was my laptop so I could check in with all of my friends on OH, a body pillow, rob, house shoes and lip gloss.

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

Thank GOD I did not have any complications from the surgery.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After I received my surgery date it was all surreal to me. I started having dreams about the surgery and what life would be like Post Op. I came to OH and spoke to people on the boards that were Post - Op to ease my anxiety.

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

This surgery is no cake walk. It is NOT the easy way out. You will have pain and discomfort. Nothing unbearable but you will know that you just had major surgery. Take things slow and easy and know that it will get better each day. Be patient you will get back to feeling 100% like yourself.

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

I had my surgery locally.

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.

Immediately after surgery I was only able to eat/drink small amounts but there was nothing that did not agree with my pouch. I am still able to eat anything allowed but the amounts I can consume are much, much, smaller than I ever imagined would fill me up Pre-Op.

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

Immediately after surgery I was only able to walk short distances. As the weeks went by I was able to walk further & further. Once released by my doctor I was able to do the elliptical for an hour and jog. There are no limitations now.

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

I take 2 multi-vitiams daily and calcium 3 x day, as well as a B12 injection once a month.

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 have not experienced any side effects from the surgery and I am now 3 years out from surgery.

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

I think the worst part of the Bariatric Surgery process is being patient throughout all of the various stages to reach the approval point and actually having the surgery.

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

I attend monthly support group meetings held by my surgeron's office. I also met some great friends online that had WLS as well and we talk daily and meet up frequently to have dinner and hang out so we can share our experiences.

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

My scars are smaller than I thought they would be and not very noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I experienced a few plateaus along the way. I tried to stay true to my schedule and weigh weekly and measure once a month. Even when I hit a plateau, I was loosing inches. The weight will come out, you just have to stay patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People will change and treat your differently, some better and others not so well. The most important thing to remember is, only positive people need to be a part of your life.