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

My doctor said I needed bariatric surgery or I was going to be in a wheelchair. I was interested but didn't think I was big enough to qualify.

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

It was very good.

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

I went in with written, my problems, family illness', medication, and a typed list of everything I wanted to as. I was able to get all my answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to be in a wheel chair and I was well on my way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all they types of surgery and discussed it with my primaray care doctor and the surgeon.

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?

None, I knew that it was meant to happen

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?

They were all very happy for me. I have 2 sisters larger than I was and they felt it was a good decision. My husband was wonderful. I was honest with everyone that I was going to have the surgery, now they are happy for me.

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

I have a home based business. It was about 10 days that I didn't feel like doing any work. I'm the boss so there was no problem.

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. I had a problem with post op vomiting. Otherwise it was a good hospital stay. Bring warm socks, my feet were freezing.

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 and scared at the same time. I got busy cleaning the cupboards of all the foods I couldn't eat anymore and purchased the foods I would need. I shopped around for a good protein powder, got my vitimans and read as much as I could about what to expect from the surgery and what to do after.

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

I had some lack of energy, it was hard to get in all my water, and rembering to take my suppliments. I just developed a routine.

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

The hospital is 37 miles one way form my home. It was no problem.

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.

It was very easy to stay on soft foods for the first few weeks. I found that I can no longer eat pork or lamb. I vomit if I try to eat them. As I progressed I was able to eat more foods.

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

For the first mont it was walking around my home and doing some shopping. By 20 days out I was able to go to he gym and take my dogs on long walks.

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

Multi vitamin (Chewable), Iron, vitamin C, B-12, Zinc, Folic acid, Calcium Citrate.

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 really didn't have any bad side effects. My hair loss was very small.

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

Waking up in the hospital and feeling like crap the first few days.

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

I am very luck because I have a personal friend who had the surgery 13 months before me and she has been a hugh help. I attend a monthly support group and see a dietitian. I am going to exercise and they are very supportive. Best of all my family (husband and children) have been wonderful.

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

I have six small scars. They are nothing compared to other surgery scars that I have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateaus, I am not losing very slowly and that is because I am nearly at my goal weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, strangers see you, listen and don't look away when you enter a room.