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

I met a fellow locally who had gone through the surgery. It sounded too good to be true.

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

My experience was favorable although it took quite a while

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

It was wonderful. Go prepared with any questions you have. Wear your most fattening outfit because they take a "before" picture of you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted this weight gone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked to the doctor about it. His advice was coupled with the research I had done.

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?

The obesity is going to limit your lifespan. You can take your chances with the surgery or wait for the obesity to chip away at the quality of your life. Surgery is always scary, that is why you should choose a surgeon with a great track record and go to a facility that does the procedure a lot.

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 and friends have been great. I am a lucky lady to have such a wonderful support system. My husband and several friends have recently admitted they were scared for me before the surgery, but they knew how important this was to me, so they supported me through it all. There are horror stories out there of procedures that went wrong. People need to evaluate their reasons for having this done, and decide if it is worth the risk.

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

I was so excited about having this done, I practically told the whole world. My boss was no exception. He seemed happy for me. I told him what was going to happen. I was out of work for two weeks from the day of my surgery.

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

I was there for four days. It was not bad. Bring someone who loves you who can go outside the hospital to find sugarfree and natural juices for you.

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

I had severe diarreah. The hospital gave me antibiotics and other meds.

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 prayed a lot. I was estatic. I just wanted it done and over.

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

You are very tired. You have limited independence and can't lift anything much. You need a good support system.

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

I am three hours from the doctor and hospital. It makes for an all day journey for checkups.

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 love ice cream and thought sugarfree fatfree would be okay--wrong. My stomach didn't like it at all. I love red meat, but again my stomach says "NO!"

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

Limited

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

2 Flinstones, a vitamin C, Zinc, and iron daily.

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 still having vomiting and dumping. I don't like to vomit, so it is the worst.

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

The wait.

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

None, but I plan on starting one in my area. It is very important.

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

Minimal, 5 little punctures.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.