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

My physician asked me if I considered it during my annual checkup. He gave me some information to look at, some websites to review, and the name of a topnotch surgeon. After a month of research and the initial meeting with the surgeon, my initial impression was that it was the tool I needed to get my life back.

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

For some reason, my insurance company did not delay at all. I called to find out if it was covered and then submitted very detailed paperwork from my physician and the surgeon's office which I am sure helped them decide quickly to approve the surgery. Within 2 weeks, approval was received and my surgery date was set.

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

I was not really sure how I felt about my surgeon the first time we met. I think the relationship has improved and perhaps my initial reaction was also due to my own feelings about myself and nervousness.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health is beginning to decline due to weight gain. Being put on high blood pressure medication as well as my blood sugar rising while diabetes is so prominent in my family was a bad scare. Plus my 14 year old son was so excited that I would have more energy and we could do more together.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Knowing how weak my resolve can be at times, I decided to have the most drastic procedure in order to give me a firm start with the program.

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 scared to death! I told my surgeon to do his job (not let me die on the table) and I'd do mine (lose weight)! Any surgery is frightening, but this seemed to be so much more invasive then anything else I've had, plus the paperwork was mountainous, making it appear even more dangerous. I just had to put my faith in my surgeon.

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 was very supportive and still is. The support is absolutely essential from family as everything in your life changes - eating habits, food preparation, excitement about everything in general. As for my friends, a couple were not too happy about me doing this and that was hard for me but we talked it all out and they are much better with me about it now then before surgery.

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

I was out of work for 3 weeks, but my employer was the best - they always are. I talked with my supervisor first and told her I was considering this surgery for health reasons and the approximate length of time I'd be out of the office. There was never a question regarding validity of this decision. I had some extended absence paperwork to fill out, and that was it.

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 4 days. The hospital was wonderful, very attentive, caring, clean. I felt very "taken care of".

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

Apparently I had excessive bleeding during surgery which resulted in a drain. That was very uncomfortable and even slowed the healing process after I was home.

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 more excited then anxious. It would have been better if I could have had the surgery within days instead of weeks.

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

Recovery was just alittle more painful then I anticipated - upon hearing "laproscope", I expected to be on my feet in a matter of a couple days which obviously didn't happen. Also eating was difficult as there are many changes.

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

25 miles from my home to the hospital/surgeon's office. I made arrangements for rides so it didn't really affect any care.

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'm eating really well now, mostly fish, chicken, veggies. Getting the appropriate amount of protein while eating such small portions is really the hardest part of the diet. I miss certain foods, especially beef. They are right about beef! Makes me vomit every time I try it. Everything else that I'm doing without is okay (soda, sugar, raw veggies, etc.). I guess the weight loss is so incredible and encouraging that I don't mind the diet.

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

I'm still working on that part. Because I was so sedentary prior to surgery, I do not have good muscle tone so exercise and activity is difficult. I've started out walking and am up to a mile per day. Will continue to increase activity until it is vigorous enough to make a diffence.

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

Yuck. I take 2 chewable prenatal vitamins, 1 calcium citrate, 2 chewable calciums, 1 dropper of liquid B-12 and 1 protein bar per day. The quantity (and taste) of the pills is a huge downsite to this surgery. I hope I get used to it!

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 had major problems with nausea, reflux and heartburn for several weeks because I couldn't swallow medication for it. My family physician finally gave me a chewable Prevacid which is controlling that issue just perfect. I've vomited only 4 times, all four times due to trying to eat beef. Have not had dumping syndrome, probably because I stay completely away from the foods known to cause that.

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

The recovery. But after about a month of working out eating habits, the incisions healing, getting into a good routine, it was well worth it!

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

I have not joined one yet, but plan to. I do believe it is important.

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

There are five of them and still rather red. I'll be trying some of those ointments to reduce the appearance. However, they are all only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long so they do not bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I actually hit a pleateau for about 1 week last month. I did not let that get me down. It ended, and I'm back to losing weight again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everybody I know can tell that I'm losing weight and are very excited and encouraging. However, I still have a long way to go so I don't know that I can fairly answer that question yet.