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

Had heard aboutit but then a couple of women i know had the Bypass, i was jst amazed at the results and kind of jealous they could afford to do it.

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

I didnt get approval as had no co-morbidities and my BMI was under 40. Ridiculous as if i got fatter and unhealthier they would have reimbursed half .. sad.

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

I visited 2 surgeons, one individually and didnt like his manner or how he presented the surgery or the fact he only gave me limited advice. Attended a info night for another surgeon and was fabulous - lots of info - then met with him individually and went ahead. To get the most out of it is best to research, research, research.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A tool to loose weight, hopefuly keep it off and not spend the next 40 years battling with my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, lots of reading on WLS Forums, talking to surgeon. I changed which surgery i wanted due to researching and reading lots of informaiton about the different types and then cofirming this info with my surgeon. Initially wanted the Lapband but changed to BSG.

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 didn't have too many, main one was about getting my stomach removed and why was i doing it as despite being fat was healthy. I think if your whole life is going to benefit from something, the current fears are outweighed by the long term effects. For severly obese ppl, not having surgery is more of a risk than having it. Follow pre op rules from surgeon as they make it all easier on you and your body and minimise risks.

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 have told few people only my partner and close family members. They have been supportive despte not thinkingi needed it.

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

I did not tell anyone at my work. I took annual leave. I took a month off work.

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

Hospital was great. I was there for 3 nights and 2 day, only 3 mights as i was first up for surgery on the Mon morn so needed to be admitted on the Sun night. Really glad i stayed the extra night and had the care of the nurses for 2nd night and the pain medication. I don't think you need to much as recovering - pj's, magazines and thankfully my room had a TV.

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

Not really.

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

Anxious and scared but bascially healing and recovery was bettr than i thought. Pain medicaiton is essentil to allow for a smooht easy recovery.

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

You need to take it easy, remember you have had major surgery and let your body heal.

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

Just across town - no issues

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?

Hair loss yes; consitpation - yes but not major; intolerant of lots of food and hard to keep down. Mince is great and so is brocolli. Food tatstes have totally changed.

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

Not holding food down and the foamies - which is when you bring up food is not like vomiting but rather bringing it up with a whole heap of spit. Is horrible and happens a lot.

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

3 monthly check up visits with surgeon and dietician. Support is pretty minimal and could definitely be better. A support group would be good and maybe a email list to be able to communicate if cant meet. Whilst i dont knwo if i would attend a support group persay, would be good to have option . This online forum has been great if any questions comments or want to share. Without it i wouldve felt very alone. So OH Forum for me has been extremely important even though i dont post too much. I usualy read posts every day or two.

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

I have 5 scars and they are okay. Still urplish but will nto be any thing major once they fade.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Lots of stalls, they are part and parcel of weight loss surgery as your body needs to adapt and get used to how little you are eating. Someitmes when you are eating more is when you loose more weight. I wish i had of taken photos and measurements before weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice more male attention now and think due to feeling better i feel more confident and people treat you differently.