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

I had several friends at work that had this surgery done. I just wanted to learn more and find out if it was right for me.

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

It took about 7 months to get approved since I had to do a 6 month weight loss study. The approval process went pretty quick after it was submitted. My doctor's office handled all the paperwork very well. Just be patient and do everything the insurance company wants you to do.

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

He explained everything very well. He was concerned about any questions I might have. I did a lot of homework on the procedure ahead of time. I talked to people that had it done to understand their experiences and got information from the internet.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of gaining more weight and not having any energy. I started to have health problems with the more weight I gained. I was just tired of the weight battle.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The weight comes off quicker with the gastric bypass. I also have a big sweet tooth so this was a better decision for me so I wouldn't cheat.

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 knew it would be a big change. I wasn't worried about complications because I made sure I had the best surgeon. The care I received was excellent and made all the difference in making me feel confident that I was going to be well taken care of.

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 thought I was crazy. I was told eating is a pleasure of life why would I want to give that up? I took my mother to the first meeting and to my first doctor's appointment and it educated her making her feel a lot better about the surgery. They are very proud of me and very supportive.

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 about 5 weeks. Co-workers were very supportive and happy for me.

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

Yes, I was very glad I went. I got a lot of information which helped me make up my mind to have the surgery. They go over everything at the meeting.

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 for 2 nights and 3 days. The staff took very good care of me. I suggest bringing a robe. You do a lot of walking in the hallway after surgery.

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

I had no complications from the surgery. I had one problem during the surgery that was corrected. I had some scar tissue in my intestines and had nothing to do with the gastric bypass surgery. My doctor took care of it.

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 very anxious to have my surgery done. I was a little scared and excited. I was just ready to get the surgery over with and start my new life.

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

The first few days were a little rough. Everyday got better and better. Walking helps a lot. Drink fluids and walk, walk, walk. I was never hungry but had to schedule my meals to make sure I was eating. Protein shakes give you the extra energy you need.

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

About an hour. Did not affect my 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've been pretty lucky so far. I have been able to tolerate everything I have eaten so far. I have also done well with the protein shakes. I was already lactose intolerent before the surgery.

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

I got tired really easy because I was still trying to adjust to everything. Everyday that went by got better and my feet don't hurt anymore.

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

I take chewable vitamins, B-12, Biotin and Calcium. The calcium tablets are a little hard to chew 4 times a day. It wouldn't be so bad if the tablets weren't so big.

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 haven't had any side effects since surgery.

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

The drain tube and the IV.

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

I have a lot of friends that have had this procedure done that I talk to. It's very helpful to hear about other people's experiences.

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

My scars a minimal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't lost any weight in the last couple of days. I worry that I won't loose anymore.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. They are very excited for my when I loose weight.