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

I had a friend that had the WLS. She lost over 100lbs and looked great. She referred me to her surgeon.

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

It only took a week for approval. I was so happy. Thank god for insurance. NEVER GIVE UP!!!

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

I was very impressed with my surgeon. I had a whole page of questions and he answered every one of the. Write down all of your questions???

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to gain control of my life and my health so I could enjoy the rest of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon did this for me. I figure he is the expert not me.

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?

A few, not many. I feel if it was my time to go, it was and there wasn't anything I could do about it. I was more afraid of dying from complications from my diabetes than the risk of the surgery.

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 mom was afraid for me, but knew that I have struggled with weight my whole life. My mom says that she understood and is very supportive and happy for me. My dad passed away in Aug. so I didn't want my mom to go through anymore heartache than she already had. My parents were married for 48 years.

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

Again, very supportive. My co-workers had observed many, many, many insulin reactions. I have a great group of people to work with. I was off work for 2 1/2 weeks, then half days for a week and then back to ten hour days.

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

Good! Very caring doctor's and nurses. 4 days. FAmily for support and comfort. They had most of the things you need such as nightgown, towels, etc. I brought personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, etc.

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

I had problems eating and had to stay another day till I could eat better. Blood sugars were irratic. No surgery complications...

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 so excited and thought the day would never get here. I had a good feeling about surgery, but was relieved when I made it through. I researched the surgery on this site on a daily basis. I feel knowledge is very important, so I knew what to expect.

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

I was tired, but began exercising (walking the day of surgery) and increased my time each day. I feel exercise is key to weight loss and gaining your strength back.

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

3 hours. I had my surgery on Nov. 8th, 2001. I was afraid of the winter weather, but it has been very mild for South Dakota. I have attended all follow-up appointments.

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 had alot of problems with the pureed food and begin eating (normal) food at 6 weeks with the approval of my surgeon. I am 3 months out and can eat anything in moderation.

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

As I said, I begin walking the day after surgery and have been walking on my treadmill 30 min. for 6 days a week.

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

Flinstones complete and B-12 under the tongue every other day.

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?

Nothing yet. I am afraid of the hair loss. The nutritionist said to eat healthy, drink fluids, eat your protein and you shouldn't have any problems. Hair loss usually takes place at 5 months.

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

Just friends and family. There are no WLS support groups where I live. However, I visited with some people and we are thinking about starting one. I do belong to a diabetic support group.

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

My scars are very small as I had the Lap proceedure. YEh, it's what I expected. I don't plan on wearing a bikini anytime soon anyway. :0)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Cross your fingers, I have lost at least two pounds per week. I weigh and measure every sat. I know the big plateau is coming eventually. :0(

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, I am the same person thin or fat. I am single and am hoping that I have more confidenc and meet my dream man. LOL