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

I saw an adverstisement in a magazine and called the number. I was scared, because I had heard all of the "horror" stories from people around me for several years.

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

My insurance did not cover the surgery and i had to go through a long process to get approved by my husband's insurance because he had had it for only a few months. Do not give up, keep trying and looking.

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

I had an enjoyable visit. He was willing to take the time with us. Go preapred with questions every time that you see your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have exhausted all other options.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I liked the idea of going to a place that specializes in what they do and concentrates only on that procedure.

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 am still scared. The pain is what I fear, nothing else. I tell myself that I can do this, that I will feel so much better afterwards and will be able to reclaim my 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?

My parents and husband are supportive. My friends are worried and do not understand because they are not large like me.

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

My supervisor is supportive (she got my medical leave approved right away - I will be paid the entire time I am off work!), but she is also scared for me.

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

I loved my stay in the hospital. The nurses and doctors were great!! I was in the hospital 3 days. I really did not have to bring a thing with me, they had everything that I needed. A robe and slippers is my best advice.

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

None.

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 talked to only positive people and focused on my ultimate goal, to be healthy.

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

I was ver restless and bored at first. I was not used to the amount of free time that I faced. I had a hard time concentrating on my diet and getting everything in every day.

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

I travelled three hours. I was miserable my first evening home. I am so glad that I can wait two weeks to go again. I was not in pain, just tired and bloated.

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.

The only things that I had difficulty with was ham and added fat. I was able to eat sugar and fat in larger amounts as time went by.

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

I was moving right away. I am eight days post op and I go up stairs and anywhere else I choose to go. I do chill easily, so I have not gone outdoors yet.

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

Flinstone chewables

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, up until the one year mark, I expected it so i did not freak out. I cut 9 inches off of my hair and the loss did not seem as great

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

Nothing. I was fine the entire time. I have nothing to complain about. I had a wonderful experince and I am grateful.

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

I attend a once a month Bariatric meeting at my local library. It is nice to attend to see how others progress and to help the guests that are there

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

My scar is 6 i/1 inches long and not as bad as I thought, i expected worse. I use Nivea cream on it and it is fading

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I reached a plateau at 8 mos. and am waiting to see if it stops. I had lost 90 pds. at this point

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are nicer and listen to what I have to say