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

I first found out about bariatric surgery just by doing research and conversation. My impressions of it was neutral for a long time. I always thought I would be able to lose it on my own but lifes changes led me to bariatrics.

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

Getting approval was easy for me because I am a military spouse. For those that know your insurance will pay and you are waiting just keep in touch and don't let them slack up.

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

My first visit was very nice and my surgeon was very informative. I was explained how the procedure would go to how long I would be in the hospital. People can benefit the most by asking questions. Always ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I reached a weight of 308 and at 5'-7" that was to much. I just got tired of the battle.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would only pay for the gastric bypass.

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?

Because I was so informed, I really didn't have any fears. Knowing everything going into the surgery really helps. Again, I would tell other people just make sure your questions get answered and don't do it until you are absolutely sure you are ready.

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?

Only a select few knew. My husband was and is very supportive.

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

I was unemployed at the time so I guess it just made everything to this point easier and better.

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

My stay was only 24 hours. Just wear comfortable clothes and bring your I.D.

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

No complications. However, I did have a hernia repair at the same time so I call it a double surgery which took me a little longer to heal. I am seven weeks out and I am having my bouts with depression and regret because your whole body change but I'm always told it will get better.

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 excited. I really didn't get nervouse until it was actually time for my surgery.

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

The first few weeks are very fragile. You have to take it easy and rest and just follow the steps as to what you should be eating throughout the stages of the surgery.

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

No far and my aftercare was not affected.

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 me I could only do liquid soups and popsicles (sugar free). About the fourth week, I started trying regular soft food. I juiced a green apple and a pear about my fifth week out and the next day I experienced my first dumping so needless to say I don't care to have a green apple or pear. So far I have tolerated the regular foods I have eaten. Some people experience the bad taste after surgery so a lot of things may not taste good. I have that problem. Everybody will not have this problem but some will so that will make a big difference in what you eat. It's about finding something that will taste good until your taste buds change or go back to normal.

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

I just do light walking. Since I had a double surgery, the pain level was a little high for me so I just backed off until my body was ready.

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

After seven weeks post-op, I think I finally found a multi-vitamin that will work for me and it is the children's gummie bear vitamins. They taste better than the flinstone vitamins. Everything in the early stages will be trial and error.

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 only experierced dumping once because of the natural juices from the from the fruit. I would experience nausea I believe because of the hernia repair I had done as well and also from the bad taste. For a while, I did not sleep good. I would sleep propted up because I couldn't sleep on my left side. That's the side where they went in the most. After 7 weeks things are getting better. The only thing I'm dealing with is the bad taste. As far as coping. I'm doing just that right now.

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

The change your body will go through. There are some things I didn't know. My whole body chemistry has changed. Although, it will get better in time if I had to do it all over again, I would not. I know now that all it takes is a lot of discipline and that is something I could have eventually done. I feel like I coward out and let myself down. I never have been one to give up and somehow having the surgery has made me feel this way.

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

I do attend a support group once a month and it does help. Also, I have my husband and close friends to lean on.

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

I have six time scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I am losing weight on a steady basis.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. I don't really go anywhere at this point.