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

I had heard of it in TV and really didn't think much of it, thought it was too dangerous. But at this rate the weight is dangerous.

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

At first my pcp was not going to give the referral until I jumped through the medical groups hoops. I sent a letter to Pacificare stating that this decision to have or have not this surgery should be left to the man who specializes in it. Although the medical groupl changed their mind before Pacificare responded they contacted me and wre very helpful. I just suggest that you get your ducks in a row and document, document everything.

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

The surgeon was a very confident man who let me do most of the talking. He made me comfortable and confident, he had the right answer for every question. I brought a list of questions with me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

No matter what I try I can't seem to get this weight under control. I want to live a healthy life, not a long unhealthy life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have had 4 c-sections and feel that I'd rahter have the surgeon see everything that is going on, not flying blind.

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?

Fears were up and down through the whole thing. My decision was set by my desire to live a long and healthier life.

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?

Mother freaked, my sister passed in March so she is still shaky. Husband, "It's mindover matter, just push the food away." He's changed since, but he really was scared for me. I simply told him that I could not do this without his support, but I had to do this. Friends very supportive, they know my personality and knew that I did my research.

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

My boss is an ex RN and was nervous for me, so I let her read my research and she seems confident in my decision.

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 great. The nurses were very caring and attentive. I really did not use anything that I brought except hair brush, tooth brush and slippers. I found the hospital gown was comfortable and worked better than the gown I brought.

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 so anxious. I knew that I wanted this and was going to do it, but I had such a roller coaster of emotions. Depression, crying, etc... I think that all of the emotions were all normal.

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

My surgery was open and I did not expect the pain to be what it was. I have had 4 c-sections and upper ab surgery is definetely different than lower. I have been blessed with an uneventful recovery. I started walking a couple of blocks at a time around 10 days out. I'm not the super person that so many people on this site are, but I just wanted to move, move, move.

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

I traveled about 30 miles, not very far.

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 was the usual liquids for about 2 weeks, then soft foods ie: mashed potatoes and gravy, refried beans, soup. After about 4 weeks I was cleared for all foods. I really stay away from anything greasy or dairy. I won't be graphic, just let you know that they aren't pretty coming out the other end.

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

The first three-four weeks there was no way I was missing my nap, but after that I really perked up.

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

I take two chewable solotron vitamins from GNC and one under the tongue B12 also from GNC

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?

Slight hair loss has started at about 12 weeks out. I'm just trying to focus on nutrition right now. I have had virtually no other side effects.

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

Waiting for approval and the morphine.

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

My scar is 8" long and has healed great. I did not expect it to be so long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau at 10 weeks out and it lasted until week 13. I just upped my exercise intensity and water.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people treat me a lot different. I have not been obese all of my life so I knew that I would be treated differently.