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

I first heard about the surgery on a talk show and couldn't wait to find out more about it. I called every doctor around me and finally found a secretary whose mother had had the surgery and she gave me the name of Dr. Champion. Then it took me over a year to actually have the surgery.

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

I actually had no experience with the insurance company. I sent all the information to the doctors office and they did all the work. I got the approval within 6 weeks. No problems at all

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

My first meeting was scary but also exciting. He explained everything and took a before photo for my file. He told me what would happen and showed me photos of the procedure so i would know what my stomach would be like. He told me the risks and gave me the percentages for those risks. Ask alot of questions. That's my advise. Write them down before you go.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was Christmas time and i saw a photo i was huge. I had to order to shirts from a catalog in a size 32W because i couldn't find any in the stores to fit me. I was miserable and felt like it was time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I got information from the doctor and called some people that were on a list that he provides for people considering surgery. That was very helpful. I got alot of questions answered and it made me feel better about the surgery.

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 just afraid of being put to sleep. The nurses were very kind and reassurring. All i can say is talk to the doctor about your fears. I was also afraid of the pain but that wasn't bad.

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 didn't want me to have the surgery. they tried to talk me out of it but i wouldn't listen. now they are supportive and glad that 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'm a housewife so i didn't have to deal with that. My husband had some worries about something happening to me.

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 lasted from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. It was good compared to other hospital stays. The nurses were kind and helpful. When i needed something for pain they came. They seemed to be familar with the surgery and told me what to expect. I took a nightgown, robe, slippers, underwear and socks. Also comb,toothbrush, etc.

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

No complications just some nausea which is normal. It lasted for the first day then i was 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 was depressed for a while after surgery because my family could eat and i couldn't but the doctor said it would get better and it has.

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

They should expect to eat very slowly and carefully. Maybe throw up or feel sick at their stomach. Some diarreha. Everyone is different. My first few weeks weren't bad at all. Some people may need someone to stay with the. I had my mother for the first week because i had a small child and i couldn't pick up anything heavy.

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

I traveled about an hour to the hospital and doctors office.

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.

Well for the first month i could only have soft food like jello, pudding, applesause and liquids. Slowly i tried mashed potatoes and small bites of bread and beans. Meat wouldn't stay down good and rice was awful. I just tried things and if they caused pain then i would stop and try them again in a few weeks. Now i can eat just about anything. Meat still causes pain so i avoid it but i didn't eat it before surgery. Vegatables stay down real good. I can eat chinese and mexican food. All in small amounts though. I drink lots of water.

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

I was slow at first but it picked up to where now i cut grass and do yard work, play with my kids, park further from stores and walk. It's great.

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

I take a One a Day Multivitamin for Women and also a Oyster shell calcium pill everyday.

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?

The nausea and vomiting comes and goes depending on what and how much i eat. It was common for the first month but has slowed down alot. The hair loss has been the worst. It started about 4 months post op and has just now stopped after about 4 months.

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

The first month of ajustment. Learning to eat differently and smaller amounts. The pain at first. Now it's so much better.

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

I live to far away to go to the support groups. I do talk to some friends online but that's it.

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

I have 5 small scars that are about gone. They are just like the doctor told me they would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed and stayed the same for 3 weeks and then started back up. I haven't experienced bad plateaus but i'm waiting.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people looking at me differently but not treating me differently.