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

my pcp told me about it. at first i was scared and didnt want to do it. then later i learned more about it and decided it was for me.

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

i got approved within a week of everything being submitted to them. but i had to meet alot of qualifications to get it.

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

i was nervous. but he was so nice and helpful. be sure and write down all the questions you want to ask. it is easy to forget once you are actually there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i was 326 pounds and had so many bad health problems. enough was enough.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

i want the best one. the gold standard. gastric bypass. also with a hiatal hernia the doctor said it was best for 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?

i was scared a little. but i was so excited to be starting a new life. talk to your doctor about your fears. also support groups really help.

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 father did not know alot about the surgery and he was afraid. my husband was totally for it and supportive. i wish i had gotten my dad more info about it. now he is glad i had it done.

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

i am disabled. i do not work.

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

it was exciting and i loved learning so much about it.

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

the bed was awful. but the nurses were so nice and helpful. the doctor was very attentive. the best was the surgery coordinator. she was there with me all the way.i was there 2 days. bring a pillow.

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

right after surgery my blood pressure was very high. but that was the only problem.

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 happy. i kept thanking god. i was so excited and counted down the days until the surgery.

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

i was very sore and in alot of pain. my husband had to bathe, dress, and wipe me when i went to the bathroom. i dont know what i would have done without him. it was also very hard to turn and get out of bed. i couldnt bend over. the bandages broke me out in a rash and the drain was annoying. dont expect it to be painless and easy.

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

about 20 minutes from home.

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.

for 2 weeks i could only have liquids. stage 2. like water, jello, broth etc.this started the day i got out of the hospital. then for 2 weeks i was on pureed foods. stage 3. i used alot of baby food for this and blended my other food. then i was on stage 4 until 8 weeks out. this was tender cooked veggies, and meats, and alot more variety. after8 weeks out i am now eating normally. but you have to wait until you are 3 months out to eat raw veggies. for a while i couldnt tolerate ground meat. 2 weeks ago i tried it again and can now eat it. that is the only food problem i have had.

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

for several weeks i was week and light headed. then after about 6 weeks i felt fine.

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

i take 2 calcium citrates 2 times a day. i take sublingual b-12 every other day. i take a chewable centrum 1 time a day. and i take 5000 mcg of biotin everyday. i also drink 2 whey protein shakes 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?

during the first weeks sleeping was awful. and i got to make sure i eat slow or i get nausea. the hair is now falling out and that is so annoying. that started at about 3 and 1/2 months out. i take biotin for that.

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

all the stuff you have to do to qualify is bad but the waiting is the worst.

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

my hospital has a support group ran by the bariatric surgery coordinator. it is so helpful and supportive to talk to others who have had the surgery. and i like to encourage those who are waiting to have it.

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

i had it laproscopic so i have several small scars. they have healed well. they are still noticeable but worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

at about four weeks out i hit a plateau for 2 weeks. then about a month ago i had one for a week. they can be discouraging.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

i get alot of good comments. some family members are jealous and wont even discuss it with me.