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

I started to learn about the surgery on line then I found out about obesityhelp.com. They had all of the answers I needed.

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

I was lucky, I had medicare and and they don't do pre-approvals so my surgery was scheduled without any hassels. If you do have to go up against your insurance company to get approval just remember you are fighting for your life here and don't give up!!

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was a group meeting. The docotrs gave their presentation thne you could ask questions. The only stupid questions are the ones not asked so be sure to get answeres to all your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing I didn't have long to live without it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the open because of the better success rate that is reported with it.

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 thought I was going to die on the table and I found out through this site that it was a normal feeling. I decided for me I would rather die trying to do something then die from not doing anything.

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 were very supportive of my decision to have surgery. They are still supportive now after the surgery.

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

I am on disability due to other health reasons so I do not work so I didn't have to worry about telling an employer. I did take me 2 weeks after surgery before I could do light housework.

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

My stay in the hospital was fine. I was there Thursday and got out on Sunday. I am so glad I took my little clip on fan and my own pillow. When I left the hospital I got out of their gown and put on my own pj's with my robe and slippers to go home.

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

No complications from surgery.

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 felt very worn out and thanks to the pain pills slept most of the first week and a half. I started to feel better when I started to cut back on the pain pills.

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

I slept the first 1 1/2 weeks home because of pain pills and being so worn out. I don't think people should expect much during this time period.

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

I had a 4 hour drive to get to my surgeon. I kept my follow up appts just as if I lived right there. I still go to the monthly support meetings also.

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.

During week 3 I was allowed to add grits to my diet(my favorite) and they made me sick. I ate alot of sf applesauce and baby food fruits. Anything with quite a bit a of sugar makes me sick. I can eat almost anything except for things with sugar.

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

After week 3 I began walking 30 min. a day but lately here it has been VERY cold so I haven't been walking like I was.

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

CVS pharmacy multi-vit. + iron tabs, biotin, liquid calcium, liquid protein.

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 am now 4 months post-op and still have a few days where I have nausia and maybe vomiting once a week to everyother week. I am losing lots of hair right now, but I expected that so it is no biggie. I watch what I eat so I don't dump. As for sleep disturbance, I am having problems with my anxiety and panic attacks not to mention my manic depression so I have problems with sleeping. I am working on this with my Psychiatrist though.

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

The nervousness before surgery.

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

My surgeon has a support group meeting on the first Monday of every month. I find it very helpful to get together with people who have gone/going through the same thing as me.

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

My scar is from my breasts to the top of my belly button. I use Mederma on it because I form keloids so bad and this helps it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just hit my first plateau a 3 months out. I was upset but am back to being positive about it now at 4 months out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people will actually talk to me now.