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

At first I thought it was the easy way out. But the more research I did the better I began to understand my own weight problem. I know how that this surgery was my last resort.

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 problems getting approval. My insurance company new the problems I had been battling with my weight because of my records.

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

He was so easy going and informative that I felt like he understood what I was dealing with. I recommend researching the heck out of this surgery. Listen to the good and bad things, be open minded. Take a list of questions to your first visit, make sure that all of your questions get answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that I have tried everything to lose weight and have had no success. And knowing that I could die if I keep gaining weight, I have 3 children that need me to be a mom for a long time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I did not want a huge scar so I waited until my insurance approved a Dr that did laproscopic gastric bypass.

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 only feared being put under. I had only been put under one time to get a tooth removed. I hated that feeling of not knowing what was going on. I was confident that my surgeon knew what he was doing. I researched him a lot too. He is one of the best in this feild.

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?

At first my husband was nervous, like what if I died. I asked him what if I die from being fat. What would that say about me. He is happy that I had the surgery and we are looking toward a more active life together as a family. My mom was totally supportive because she was so worried about my weight. I was very open with my ffriends and family and did my best to helo them understand the surgery. They are all very supportive.

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

My employer was great she was really curious about the surgery herself. I just handed in my medical leave papers and told her what I was doing she was very nice about it. I took 3 weeks off of work and I'm very glad to be back working and getting back into a routine.

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

Wonderful, I stayed at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. The nurses there were wonderful and caring. Not one time did I feel that they were too busy. They are the best group of nurses I've ever had. I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days. The most important things to bring are your toothbrush, warm socks and a robe. The hospital gowns are not that comfortable.

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

I have had no complications from the suregery, I'm 3 weeks post-op. Just adjusting to the no drink for 30 minutes prior to, or before eating is the most difficult. If you can get throught the pain the first 2 days you will be fine.

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 have 3 children at home, I knew that I would not be able to take care of them right away so I stayed at my mothers house for 1 week after my surgery to recover. My husband took care of the house and kids. I was very fortunate for my family. I cope with my anxiety by keeping distracted I've read 2 books, and gone for several short walks. I can no longer find comfort in food, this surgery sure takes the joy out if eating. Have a support group helps and also this web site has helped a lot.

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

Expect to be tired and take it easy. Do not over do your self you have no energy because you are recovering and not eating. Drink as much fluids as you can. I got so sick of liqiuds that my 4th day home I ate 1 tsp of mash potatoes, I tolerated them, but I would not recommend trying this, I just got sick of liquids. I had a drainage tube and that was gross to take care of.

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

My hospital was only 20 miles from my home. My aftercare has been fine. I'm down 21 lbs so far. This is the least I have weighed in 3-4 years.

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'm only 3 weeks post-op. I have experimented though. I can eat mash potatoes, eggs (boiled), tuna, crackers, refired beans from Taco Bell, chicken noodle soup, V8 juice, cranberry juice, cheese, and cottage cheese. All in small small amounts. What I stupidly tried and didn't work was a bite of beef, seaseme chicken, and pasta alfedo. I vomited for 2 days. I have since taken a step back in the foods I eat.

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

First week no activity. I sleep a whole lot. Now I'm starting to take short walks.

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

I take flintstones chewable so far.

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?

Nausea after surgery was the worst. I have been totally pain free for almost a week now. I know I keep mentioning sleep, but that is how I cope with pain, I sleep a lot when I hurt. Sometimes it's the only thing that makes me feel better.

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

The worst part was coming out of anasthesia. I was vomiting and it was so damn painful. The first day was hell. Thank God for morophine. I have a low tolerance for pain. The best I can discribe the pain is like if you did a lot of sit ups, then the next day your abd area is really sore, that's what it felt like. It was also hard to wipe after going to the bathroom beacuse it hurts to bend for like the first 4 days.

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

I use this web site as much as I can. My neighbor had this surgery with the same doctor 2 weeks before me so we talk a lot. Also, my dr is starting a support group in February. I can't wait to go to the support group meetings. My family has been supportive too.

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

I only have 6-dime size incisions. They are totally healed, I keep putting scar cream on them so they will be less noticable before to long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, I'm sure they will happen though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people looking at what I'm eating. I've vomited a few times and that really scares my husband. I notice people looking me over to see if they can tell a difference. I tell them I can really notice any weight loss yet and that it takes a while.