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

I only heard about the bariatric surgeries about a year ago. I was very excited and wanted to learn more about them.

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

I originally was told by my husband's insurance that it would be a process of six months of seeing doctors, nutritionists and psychiatrists. I was blessed with a new job and insurance that covered the surgery!! It only took about two weeks to get my approval letter and my surgery was set a few weeks after that.

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

The first meeting with my surgeon was very informative and I received a lot of helpful information that helped me in making my final decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband went to the seminar with me and knew I was excited about it. He then really came on board with me wanting to have the surgery and has been so supportive of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Spiegel was very informative about both surgeries in the seminar I attended and I knew I did not want something that was as invasive as bypass. I liked the fact that the band was adjustable and could easily be reversed if necessary.

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 think any time you have surgery there are fears that you have about complications. I was confident in my surgeon and with the tests (chest x-ry, EKG, bloodwork) I had done before the surgery.

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?

Everyone has been very supportive and helpful. The encouragement I have received has been so amazing. I could not have gotten through this without their support.

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

I just told my boss that I was having "surgery." At first, I didn't tell many people what procedure I was having because I just didn't want to hear their views of why I shouldn't have the surgery. My boss was very supportive and the office staff has been very supportive as well. I was out of work for a week and would recommend this for everyone.

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 was good. I stayed one night and went home the next day. I had wonderful nurses and care. I had to bring my living will and medical power of attorney. I was glad I brought my robe and slippers for walking down the hall.

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

Praise God I had no complications from surgery.

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 very anxious to have the surgery. I did however have a "farewell to food" visit to all my favorite restaurants in case I could not eat there again later on. I did have one moment the night before my surgery when my husband said "are you sure you want to do this?" I almost said "okay just forget it" but I held strong to my desires to have the surgery and become more healthy.

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

My first week was hard for me because although I did not feel like eating, my family had to cook and eat and the smell of food would make me think I wanted something also. I was glad I was home the first week for convenience sake and for resting when I got tired. I would take short walks also. The gas was the main problem I had the first week after surgery.

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

I only traveled 38 miles into Houston for my surgery. I was glad I spent the night in the hospital though.

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 am only 4 weeks from surgery. I was basically on liquids for the first two weeks. The third week was soft foods which came just at the right time because the swelling from the surgery had gone down and I was beginning to become hungry. I have been satisfied with the small amount of food I can eat. The only thing I had was some lemonade and it made my stomach rumble quite a bit I guess due to the acid or something.

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

I have just now gotten my strength back and am ready to hit the treadmill at the gym. Also as the weight comes off, I feel better. I would take short walks and try to increase my activity each week.

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

I have tried the large Centrum Silver chewables, the Centrum liquid (bleh) and the orange vitamin chewables. I really like the orange ones the best!

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 only side effect I had was diarrhea for a few days (I took Imodium) and also my skin became very dry (baby oil before a shower or lotion afterwards). Other than that, I have been doing great.

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

The caffeine headache in the hospital was the worst thing for me. I was a big Diet Coke drinker and had such bad headaches that even the pain shots would barely touch it. I would recommend to everyone that if you are addicted to caffeine to break free from this before surgery!

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

I am only going on week 4. I am going to a support group in my surgeon's office on Tuesday night. I also found a support group near my home that meets once a week. I feel these will be very beneficial to my after care.

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

All my scars are healing now. The largest one is almost completely healed. I broke open Vitamin E and rubbed on my scars as they dried out and began to heal and itch. This was very helpful.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only 4 weeks out but found the majority of the weight came in the first week or two and has been very slow since then. I am going back to the gym this week for some slow walking on the treadmill so hopefully that will kickstart more weight loss for me. I have not gone in for my first fill yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but I am sure it will be different as I lose more and more weight.