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

My mom had it done about 12 years ago. At first I told myself I would never have it done because I have seen her health pretty much wither away. Now I am old enough to know it was because she just didnt take care of herself and follow the vitamin regimn.

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

I didnt have a problem becuase we are military so we are covered by tri-care

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

laid back pretty much just a health check up with many labs

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

We are trying to concieve our second child and are unable to due to PCOS. It took us 2 years to get pregnant with the first and back then I only weighed 230 so I couldnt imagine trying to get pregnant at 280+

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one covered by my insurance company.

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 can't lie, the fear was there, but I was also reasured through the performance of my surgeon. He has not had any problems in the OR yet.

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 friends and family were very supportive. I know some were a little more worried about the long term effects and probably still are but I really have not had any difficulties with them.

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

I am a SAHM

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

I was there for 2 days. To me it was not long enough because I was still in quite a bit of pain. My husband was not able to stay with me another night becuase he had to return home to take care of our son, so I decided to go ahead and go home. I didn't really bring anything...Maybe a cell phone would be enough.

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

No

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 cried a little from the fear of something happening, but I got over it. It didnt really hit me that I was having surgery until I was there and they were putting in the IV.

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

It was not too bad thanks to pain meds. I actually slept on the couch for the first 2 weeks cause I couldnt handle lying flat in bed, plus I couldnt get up on my own either. A recliner would have been nice to have to sit and sleep in during this time.

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

down the street

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 think I am considered one of the lucky ones so far. I have not found a food I have not been able to tolerate. I have not tried breads yet, or really anything that I can not chew up to a tuna consistancy.

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

Low. I would go out to grocery shop and be down and out the rest of the day. It's most important to relax and heal and walk when you can.

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

so far I have only been taking my multivitamins. I need to work on getting more calcium in though.

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 sleep disturbance was #1 for me. After the pain meds were gone to put me to sleep it was hard to relax enough to be able to fall asleep.

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

The first 4 days of healing. Pain wise, and the walking

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

There is a support group at the hospital the first thursday of every month. I have not attended yet since my husband is always working, and I have a three year old. I plan on going to the next one though. I also have the OH board which has been a great resource!

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

I have 5 tiny, less than 1 inch long incisions. My scars are healing up nicely, they just look like little scratches now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in one right now. I am 3 weeks out and have gone up a pound or 2 then back down. It just takes a little bit to get over those humps.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, they are always asking me if I'm ok though lol