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

My doctor mentioned it and I was NOT interested at all. A year later, she mentioned it again and I told her I'd check into it. That got the ball rolling and I am now awaiting approval from our insurance co. for an Oct. 14 date.

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

Haven't heard from ins. co. yet

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

Ask lots of questions so you can be sure in your choice of surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Lots and lots of research, questions, soul searching and most of all -- PRAYER.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I'm going on the surgeon's recommendations.

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 had some fear, just like anyone would who is having surgery. I didn't think I would die from it because I felt God would not lead me to have it and then let something bad happen. Have faith - if you are meant to have this surgery, then it will all come together. If you come upon too many roadblocks, then maybe it's not meant to be...

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?

Family was supportive of my decision because ultimately, it was MY choice. My husband was concerned that I would be able to live the lifestyle afterwards, but he was also worried about my health with the excess weight. My oldest daughter practically begged me not to do it. Then she talked to a lady here who had the surgery a year before and got a lot of her questions answered and her fears were calmed. As far as friends -- they couldn't understand why I wanted to do it. I was a "lightweight" only weighing 206 and they all thought you had to be much heavier than that to consider it. But I am not quite 4'11 in height, so 206 was far too much to put on my small frame. Afterwards, everyone has been VERY supportive and share in my joy.

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

I own my own business, so that's not a problem. Considering my line of work, the dr. says I should only have to miss about a week.

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

My surgery was on a Monday morning and I went home at noon on Thursday. The stay was okay, but like any type of business, there were nurses and nurse's aides who were great and there were some who should consider a different career. I took way too many things with me. Just the bare necessities are needed. I wore sweats in there and came home in them. Comfort-wise it was the best choice for a tender tummy.

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

I had no complications. It was a breeze!

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 elated! I couldn't wait to begin my new life. The time went by so fast. I spent my time on this site devouring all the info I could and then shopping for all the things I would need afterwards - sugar-free foods, soft foods, vitamins, tums, etc.

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

I left the hospital on Thursday, and that Sunday, I went to church, then grocery shopping, to Golden Corral with my family for dinner, to my son's house for a couple hours and then to a movie. All in one day! I went back to work the following Wednesday, just a week and two days after surgery. I slept in the recliner for five weeks after surgery. We have a very high waterbed and with me being short, it was tough to get into it and even harder to get out. So I played it safe until I felt that I could without hurting myself or pulling something.

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

We live just 12 miles outside of town so I really didn't have to travel. We live down a country road that's all dirt and gravel, so my hubby had to take it pretty slow coming home from the hospital that day.

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.

At first, I was on soft foods for about 5 weeks. I ate cream of mushroom soup (minus the mushrooms), coco wheats, yogurt, applesauce, soft scrambled eggs, cottage cheese. I didn't try any corn or salad fixin's for about 6 months. Now at one year out, I eat pretty much whatever I want, but my tastes have changed. I used to love a good t-bone or porterhouse steak. Now, whenever my husband has one, I always take a bite and chew and chew and chew and then ptooey - out it goes! I just can't make myself swallow it. I don't care if I ever eat steak again. I've had one bit of pork since surgery. It doesn't appeal to me either. But ground beef - no problem. It tastes good, either as meatballs, sloppy joes, nachos, tacos, or just a patty - pretty much any shape or form. And I used to live on PASTA. The appeal just isn't there for me anymore. Now, it's chicken salad with a tomato on a bed of lettuce, an egg-beater omelette, an energy bar (from Sam's club) with peanut butter.... yum! My tastes have definitely changed for the better!

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

About the same as before. I've always been pretty active. My weight didn't hold me back much.

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

I take two Flintstones Complete vitamins and two Tums Extra strength every day without fail. I was lacking the right amount magnesium in my diet, (according to my entries in Fitday.com) so I started taking 200mg of that about two months ago. And after hearing people in my support group talk about getting B-12 shots, I started taking that a couple months ago too just to be safe. I had extensive blood work done with my annual checkup with my regular doc and it all came back GREAT!

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 had absolutely NO side effects. The only problem I ever had was about six weeks out, we went out to eat and I got a french dip. Well, in talking to my family, I wasn't paying attention to my eating and ended up eating either too much of it, or I didn't chew it up enough. Needless to say, I was miserable afterwards. About six hours later, I couldn't take it any longer and made myself throw up. That took care of the problem, and I definitely learned from it! as far as any other problems -- I had none. No problems with sleep, no dumping, not one hair gone! Maybe because I didn't have as much weight to lose, and didn't lose it rapidly like some people. I am very grateful for that.

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

The worst part was waking up in my room a couple hours later and wondering... "What did I do to myself?" That feeling lasted about 10 minutes only, and I've never felt that way again. I've had a positive outlook the entire time and don't regret a single thing.

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

There is a support group here that meets the fourth Thursday every month. I like to get together with all of them and compare ideas, and see how everyone is progressing.

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

I have five little scars and you can hardly see them now. They are more like little blemishes on my skin and some you can't even see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau twice - one about 3-4 months out and one about10 months. But both times it was my fault. I just wasn't paying attention and was eating whatever I wanted so my weight was staying the same. Once I decided I'd had enough, I started watching my food intake and paying attention to carbs more, and boom - the weight starting falling off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No - but I sure get lots of compliments from people I don't see all the time. I've always had an outgoing personality, so people still treat me the way they always have.