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

Had a friend who had it done 3 years ago. Didnt think it applied to me at first (she started out at over 400lbs, so I didnt realize it was an option for me.) Then another friend (my size) started looking into to it two years later and at that point I had gotten significantly bigger, and I needed another alternative to conquer this weight.

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

Hang in there...if you want it bad enough, you will do whatever you must to get there. Dont give up!! My experience was great, no hassles, no denials...once they got the request, about a week or two later I was approved! (Im very fortunate...thats not the way it usually works, I know).

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

First visit was great! Had already learned quite a bit about the actual surgery through other resources, so that was just basically a question/answer session and my surgeon was WONDERFUL. A brief history and physical were taken, and thats where he told me that *yes* I was a candidate for wls. Advice would be to write down any major questions you think of while you are learning about this and take that with you when you meet the surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was completely fed up with living in this body and not having the ability to get rid of the weight. I have young children who need their mother (and I lost mine at a young age, due to obesity related issues). I felt that I *needed* to do this for my health and for my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was no question for me. I was not interested in the bands or any of the other devices that are out there so I went with the most effective method that I know of. (I also knew that I wanted it done lap so as long as they could, I would...and I did!)

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 had none of those fears...UNTIL the day before surgery. (Day 2 of bowel prep). I worried about my family (my babies)...Afterall, I was *electively* going under anesthesia and under the knife which could have essentially caused me to not wake up again. I feel that my surgeons are the best of the best (which is why I chose them) and if (God forbid) something were to have happened, it was because I was trying to become healthier so that ideally I could have been around longer for their sake. I truly didnt dwell much on this aspect though, because afterall, it is in God's hands and I was at the end of my rope both emotionally and physically. I really had no choice in the matter.

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?

Husband was not happy with my decision initially. Didnt want me to have it done, was scared, thought it was the "easy way out" etc., etc. As it came closer to my date, he was trying harder, making more of an effort and he has been wonderful since I have crossed over! One of my biggest cheerleaders, in fact!! The majority of friends and family were extremely happy and supportive all the way through as they have seen me struggling with this and racking on the pounds over the years.

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

Supervisors were shocked, but excited for me. On medical leave for 4 weeks.

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

Hospital stay was great! St V's is fully equipped with all necessary things to get through bariatric surgery, couldnt have chosen a better place if I tried!

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

Simple little thing the day following surgery. Since I had it done lap, you have to go drink this liquid for a "leak test" x-ray(obviously to make sure the new plumbing is leak-free) and that liquid was not making its way through my system quickly enough. It was hours and hours longer than most patients, but it did make it, and I was just fine! (The worst part there was that they wouldnt allow me to drink anything until the test was all clear, so that was tough! The anesthesia or morphine dries your mouth up completely, so I was a bit bummed at that point...but better safe than sorry!)

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Had nothing but excitement! Once I got the surgery date, I was on top of the world!

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

First few weeks home were very very hard for me. I was depressed, hated drinking the liquids (I wanted "real food" or so I thought...it was all head hunger ~ now that I know the difference). I would dream about food, notice more commercials about food, thought about food constantly. Felt sorry for myself while everyone else was eating, all food related smells made me sick for the first few days though. I really had a hard time trying to figure out what my new diet was going to consist of, trying to get in all the protein shakes and such...it was very draining for me. But thats me.

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

25 minutes.

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

Walked tons right away...still walking tons and plan to continue. I felt great about it!!

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

The emotional stresses that I personally went through, in the beginning was the worst part. I could not see any further than the day I was in at that moment and right away, felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life. I cant explain it, but I guess thats not what I expected to feel like right after surgery. However, little did I know at that time, that this was the BEST decision I could have ever made!

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

Support Group ~ New Horizons. Very important to me. Lots of information, lots of people in different stages who have experienced what I go through, offered advice, friendship, understanding...the list goes on and on. I am VERY grateful for this group.

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

There are 5 small little slits. Not bad at all, and yes, its what I expected. No complaints.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Im on my first plateau right now. (at exactly 3 months out). Its only been about 2 weeks, but I know it will pass and I will continue to lose, when my body is ready. I know what I need to do it move it along and Im trying!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A bit, yes. I am noticed by the opposite sex a whole lot more than I was ~ and even though I am happily married, thats a good thing!