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

I first saw a commercial on TV. I sent for a video. I watched it and thought, that's not for me. I can lose it myself without having to go through all that unnecessary pain.

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

The office staff told me what to expect. I did nothing but wait. It was long but easy.

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

He explained the procedure to me and asked if I had any questions. I should have done more research before having it so that I was better prepared. The next time I saw him I was in my hospital room post op.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I tried Meridia and Xenical and it too failed. Of course not initially, but I put the weight back on again. When I reached a size 28 and could no longer shop at Lane Bryant, that was it for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Dr. pretty much decided based on my description of my eating habits. He asked me if I would describe myself as an overeater or do I eat too much sweets. I said both. I guess he was right.

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?

It was my understanding that there is a 1/100 chance of dying and that is the same with any surgery. What did I have to lose? I was already losing my life to weight. Too tired to live.

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. They had questions and I was prepared. After the surgery, they kept asking "Was it worth it?". I said if you ask me now (only weeks post op), I would say no. Now, 2 1/2 months post op, I say yes. They see the effects now and are very supportive.

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

They were shocked thinking that I didn't need that. Being 6 feet tall, I hold my weight very well. Noone ever suspected that I was over 300 lbs. I explained to them that my Dr. feels that it is medical necessary and so does the insurance or they wouldn't be paying for it. I was out for 6 weeks but actually was suppose to be out 7 weeks. However, who can live on disability pay?

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

My stay at Riverside was very nice. All the staff were very courteous and helpful. They were also very curious about the procedure. I was amazed at how many healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with WLS. I was there for 6 days. Bring something very comfortable to wear home. For women, I would suggest a dress that just hangw on your body. If not, sweat pants are great!!!

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

When I got home, I had the leg numbness/pain. I slept in the recliner for 2 weeks, never comfortable. I didn't know what was worse, the leg pain or the exhaustion from sleep deprivation. I also had alot of vomiting. I had to relearn how to eat. I also experienced post surgical depression. This was very tough to deal with. I had crying spells all the time and feelings that I made the biggest mistake of my life. It passed after about 1 1/2 months.

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 kept thinking about the end result and how my life would change after losing all this excess weight. I thought back to when I had lost weight before and how good I felt. I talked to others who had the surgery to find out about the pain level.

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

They should expect no sleep! I was in pain every which way I laid that I could never get comfortable. If I sat too long, my legs ached. If I got up, I felt like my stomach insides were falling out. Even though I didn't take the Percocet that I was prescribed, the inability to sleep is the worse. Also expect some emotional changes when watching your family eat a full course meal and you eating Jello. It is a huge adjustment.

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

I traveled about 20 miles. My aftercare really wasn't affected as my husband drove me.

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.

My Dr. told me that I had to eat soid foods before being discharged. That suprised me. He said no pop, meat, or bread for the first two weeks. After the two weeks, pretty much anything went. I learned that I do not tolerate bread, rice, or potatoes at all. I have lost desire for foods that take alot of effort to chew. I rely on pasta, salads,soups and baby food.

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

Because of my leg pain, I had about 0 activity for 2 - 3 weeks. Then my husband made me walk a little. It was very difficult at first, but got easier. Now at 2 1/2 months post-op, I walk 10 minutes 3 times a day for circulation purposes. I am not walking to lose weight. It just makes me feel better.

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

I take a children's chewable vitamin with iron from Walmart.

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?

The leg numbness was the worse. The pain went away after about 6 weeks. The numbness is still there. I had a Nerve conduction study to rule out nerve damage. Also, wearing supportive underwear helps alleviate pressure that is compressing the nerves causing the leg numbness.

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

The worst part was the leg numbness.

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

I have no aftercare support group/program.

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

It is pretty good. I didn't expect external staples as some others I know didn't have them. I guess it's what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people seem to be quicker to talk to me now than before. Everyone has lots of questions all the time. How much are you down now is the most popular.