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

I suppose I heard about it in the media (Carnie Wilson, Al Roker, then Star Jones). I was intrigued but not overweight enough at the time to qualify.

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

I had no insurance approval--there was a direct exclusion on the surgery in my policy at work. I paid cash up front for my surgery. Fortunately, my insurance has covered all the doctor appointments for pre-op and post-op follow-up.

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

I first met my surgeon at a group informational meeting. He exuded confidence and knowledge. I knew he was "the right man for the job". About a month after the group meeting, I met him one on one at his office. Again, he knew what he was talking about, and I felt good that I was in his capable hands. People should come armed ahead of time with any questions they may have. I had read several books on weight loss surgery, which really helped. I would highly recommend "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" as a resource.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There wasn't one specific thing. I guess I was just fed up with being overweight and had failed myself with diet and exercise attempts. I knew that for myself, in order to stay motivated, I would need to see fast results, which I got with the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked at the Lap-band a little, but the thought of having something floating around inside my body kind of creeped me out. Plus I knew roux-en-y had been around for years, was permanent, and got quicker results.

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 fear I had was that of not waking up from the anesthesia. I had never had any type of surgery before so I was afraid to go under. I have 2 young daughters and I was terrified that something would go wrong and I'd leave them without a mother. I guess I would just investigate your surgeon/hospital thoroughly. Praying helps, too!

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 communicated the plans for my surgery via a long, heartfelt letter to everyone. Most of my family was against it as they were concerned for my life and had heard it was very risky. However they were uninformed and did not know all the facts. My co-workers were largely supportive. Sadly, my spouse was not. He said he was concerned I would die, but honestly I think it was the fact that it cost so much money in my case. After surgery and after seeing the results, everyone was behind me 100%.

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

My immediate supervisor was supportive, as he had an uncle who had the surgery that was very successful. I was off work for 6 weeks (my choice). I could have gone back sooner but wanted to get the best head start I could and get into the proper routines of eating, drinking water and exercising).

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

I was there for 2 days. I cannot say enough about the Froedtert nursing staff and Dr. Wallace's colleagues. If I needed anything, they were there. Bring reading material, mouthwash, chapstick.

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

None whatsoever.

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 thrilled when I received my letter with my surgery date! It couldn't come fast enough for me! Any anxiety I had disappeared on the day of surgery--once I got to the hospital things happened quickly and there was no time for worrying.

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

For me personally they were not difficult. I had minimal pain (took the meds they gave me for home). I had no difficulty getting in my water or protein. I was a little tired the first few days but that's about it. Take naps when you can. Make plans because you can't drive the first week after surgery. Walking helped.

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

Froedtert and the doctor's office are about 35 miles from my home, so this was never an issue. I work about 2 miles from the doctor so follow-up care is convenient.

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

Good. I was walking every day for 30-60 minutes.

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

B12, D, a multi-vitamin, calcium (Viactive chews), Actigal (for the first 6 months to keep gallstones from forming). Iron pills were added, as well as Vitamin C to help the iron get absorbed.

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 minimal hair loss, and only one bad episode of dumping.

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

Paying for it out of my pocket because my insurance didn't cover it!

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

I have 5 small incisions on my abdomen from the laparoscopic surgery. I rubbed baby oil on them starting about a week after surgery (supposedly to lessen scar visibility). They have faded quite nicely for the most part. Much better appearance than I expected.