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

A co-workers wife had the lap-band and later gastric bypass. I was very much against it. I don't believe in invading the body. And I didn't understand how if having the surgery stops you from eating too much, how you would ever stop losing weight!

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

With my medical problems I was qualified in about a month.

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

Interesting, long, thorough, confusing to name a few. I met a nutritionist, a exercise physiologist, a nurse, an insurance guru and the doctor. A long morning, a lot of info to digest. But they were patient and very informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My deteriorating health was really getting to me. Plus I knew I was going to soon be unemployed. I hoped that it would be easier to get another job if I was in better health and looked it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originally wasn't sure, but when I had the colonoscopy the doctor said because of my hiatal hernia the lap-band would not be a good choice. I also felt that with the gastric bypass being permanent I would have less chance of reverting to my old habits.

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 terrified. I wrote "I'm dead" letters to all my friends and family. In each of them I apologized for not listening to them when they said I shouldn't have the surgery because of it's risks. I cried huge tears that rolled off my cheeks the entire day before surgery. It was awful. What would I say to others? You should be scared, it's major surgery and there are huge risks. You have to decide if your health is at greater risk by having it or by not having it.

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?

My kids (in their 20's) were supportive, my Mom and brother were very much against it. My brother lost a friend post op so I understand his concern. My Mom just didn't understand it, she felt I should just diet and lose weight. She still doesn't understand it. She still offers me desserts, drinks with meals, etc.

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

My boss was against it, he didn't want me to take the risk. There was no issue with me being off work. I was off for only 2 weeks.

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

The doc wanted a family member to stay while I was in the hospital. Mom stayed the first night, my daughter the second. The nursing staff was great. I was only in for 2 nights. I listened to others and brought w-a-y too much stuff. I never got out of the hospital gown because of the drain tube, so I should not have brought PJ's. I used a backwards gown for a robe, so I wouldn't bring a robe either. What I would recommend bringing: Non slip slippers or slip on shoes for when you go for walks. Light reading or crosswords for when you are alone in the room, Your cell phone (don't forget the charger). Toiletries A watch so you know what time it is (they usually put the clock behind the bed) Loose clothes for the ride home. A small firm pillow for the ride home.

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

No complications. Little pain. I didn't like the drain, but it was removed before I went home.

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 felt good, I had house guests after the first week. We did some touring of the city. If I got tired, I went back to the car.

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

The worse part about the first few weeks was the eating every 2 hours. I felt like I was a prisoner to my meals and hated it.

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

The hospital was about 40 miles. The doctors office is about 20.

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've been able to eat everything that I have tried. I wish I couldn't because it makes it very easy to fall back into old habits. I've eaten pizza, ribs, fries, breads, everything in small portions. I haven't tried eating anything sugary as I'm not a sweet person. I have never gotten sick. I never experience the feeling of fullness that everyone talks about.

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

The first week just a little walking. The second week more walking. I didn't start anything other than walking until about 2 months post-op.

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

Calcium Citrate B-Complex Multi-vitamins

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?

No nausea, no vomiting, no sleep disturbance, no dumping. My hair started thinning at about 3 months. I cut it very short so it wasn't as frustrating. I'm 10 months now and it seems to be back to normal hair loss now.

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

The drain tube and taking lots and lots of potassium because my levels got so low.

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

I attend 2 support groups. One at a local hospital and one at my doctors office. They are very different but both helpful in their own ways.

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

I had laproscopic so I have very small scars. Six I think, nothing to worry about.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first few months I lost very slow. Only 30 pounds in the first 3 months. I was very disappointed. I kept food logs, it seemed I was eating correctly. Now at 10 months I'm down 110 pounds so the slow start is a non issue now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely. I'm no longer the fat lady. People notice me, they talk to me. I'm no longer the fat lady that people don't want to be around. People claim that your appearance doesn't matter when, in reality, it does.