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

Through Obesityhelp.com. I was initially thinking about the Lap Band, but the more I read about how GB was helping diabetics, the more I realized that was really the only thing that was going to help me.

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

It was difficult...took over a year. My advise is DOCUMENT every conversation and send paperwork registers with a return receipt. That way the insurace can't say they never got something. I also has a bit of work convincing my general practitioner that this was the way to go...he's convinced now as I'm 5 years out and am still within 10 lbs of my lowest weight.

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

He was very reassuring. Do your homework before you go and write down any questions/concerns you may have. If you don't get the answers you need...try someone else.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My diabetes was so out of control and I was doing miserably on insulin (sugar either too high or too low). I feared I won't live to see 50.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research and asked my surgeon which he felt more confortable with. I opted for the open bypass because I at the time, that was the best way to minimize possible complications and having to go back in. I understand the non-invasive procedure is much better now. If I were to do it today...I would probably opt for that option now.

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 at the point that I felt I was going to die before my time if I didn't do something drastic. I did have some severe nausia issues for about 2 months after my procedure and ended up in the hospital on 5 occasions for dehydration, but we finally got through that.

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?

I was very open about why I wanted to go through this with my family. My husband was supportive from the start, but my teenage daughter was frightend for me. My friends were curious and watched my very closely over the next couple of years to see how I would do. Now 2 of my friends have also gone through the surgery and are doing very well.

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

I was lucky that they were also very supportive. I was out of work for about 10 weeks, but was fortunate that disablity kicked in.

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

I had my surgery at NY Presbyterian. While the doctors were very capable...the facility was filthy. My mother had to clean my bathroom is was so bad. I was also admitted at 2 other hospitals for dehydration. They were better, but still not the place to be when you are trying to recover.

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

I had immediate nausea after my surgery which lasted for several weeks. Due to the nausie I was not able to keep anything down and this resulted in dehydration. They tried everything (even drugs for chemo patients w/ nausea). Nothing worked until my general practioner decided to put me on only IVs for a few days to let my stomach settle. After that 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?

Sick as a dog. Even with being nauseated for such a long period of time....I did not regret my decision to have the surgery.

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

Smells were intolerable to me immediately after the surgery...particularly coffee. I was very tired and cold all the time.

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

15 miles

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.

1st 6 weeks could eat: mashed potatoes hot cereals popsicles soups cottage cheese Couldn't eat: Meat Most vegetables pasta bread anything sugary anything fatty or oily Now I can eat almost anything, although the meat must be very tender or have some sort of sauce. I particulary like spicy food...seems to digest better. Can only eat bread & pasta occasionally. All fruits and vegetables are fine. Can eat some sweets but still don't handle greasy food well.

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

Miniminal....I was too sick.

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

Multi-vitamin, Super B Complex, and Calcium daily. I also get vitamin B12 injects monthly, occasional vitamin D supplements and occasional Iron infusion (although not lately)

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 and vomiting where the worst. I had minimal hair loss. I had nausea for 5-6 weeks after the surgery. I only feel nauseated now if I eat the wrong thing, eat it too fast or don't chew it enough.

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

Hopital stays. I got no rest and my stay was not very pleasant.

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

I don't attend any support group, but am doing fine.

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

It has faded, but it is still there. It doesn't bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had a had time crossing over the 200 lb mark. Seemed like it took forever.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.