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

I found out about WLS through a commerical on TV. It was a woman getting up in the middle of the night overeating. I called the number and got information. I was 21 at the time. I didn't go to the intial appointment because I had heard it was very dangerous. (Didn't we all???) Then last year I met a woman who had it done. She looked so wonderful!!!! She had all the complications a person could have, but she said that she would do it again in a heart beat. She has been the driving force behind me making the final decision to go ahead with the process.

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

I was approved in 24 hours. The longest wait was waiting for WFL to get to it. And that only took 2-3 weeks. Keep on both your insurance company and the people who are doing your paperwork. Find Buddies in both!!

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

Dr. Guske was very positive. He minimized the risks to me and convinced me that I was doing the right thing. ASK QUESTIONS. Bring a list with you... (I had two pages..)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to feel better. I want to do "normal" activies again. I also do not want to pay an extra $200 for the larger size wedding dress!!! =)

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am going to have RNY Lap.

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 still have these fears. I will die eventually from MO. I have horrible side effects now. Can it really get any worse? I guess that you have to be informed, but also have a good attitude.

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?

The friends and family that I have choosen to tell have been supportive. Will update post-op Post-OP- People have been really supportive. Worried about side effects, ie nauseaousness, hair falling out but truly glad that I did it.

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

I was actually in a different spot. I was leaving one company for another and had surgery in between them.

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

I had surgery on Friday. I left the hospital on Monday morning. So, 3 1/2 days. I think the most important things to bring would be people to support you.

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

I had no complications or anything. THANK GOD! I just felt like I had the Flu on top of the pain. Then, my staples itched SO BAD. I found out that I had a reaction to them at my one week check up.

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 got my surgery date on Tuesday and had it on that Friday. I was really busy getting pre-op testing done. The night before I stayed home with my family.

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

The first couple days are HELL. A lot of pain, A lot of frustration of not being able to do things.

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

About 40 minutes

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 have not been able to handle white flour. So, no white bread or sandwiches. My biggest thing is that I still eat too fast. 9 months Post-op: I can now eat pretty much anything. I really have no hunger, too. The only thing that I try to stay away from is sugar. I haven't dumped since the beginning, but I never want to do it again!

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

I stayed home for 2 weeks, went back to work for 4 weeks on Light duty. Now I am slowly adapting to the increase energy levels.

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?

Sticking has been the worst for me. It happens when I eat too fast or if I am eating bread, etc. Nausia lasted from second month to about sixth month. I am still losing my hair.

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

I think the worst part is the leak test in the hospital. Oh, that was bad. I couldn't stand yet and you have to for the test. And the taste- YUK! Also, the first week. Horrible!!! I was in so much pain! I couldn't sleep, I could use the bathroom by myself... Also, the constipation issue in the early months. You feel like you should be "going" at the same pace as pre-op. But, you are not putting in the same amount, so how could the same amout come out? But, all in all, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

I really haven't had much aftercare. The support groups are too far away for me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateau weekly now (in the second month) 9 mo Post-op: The last plateau last two months. I finally just got over it and lost 13 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, maybe people noticing my weight loss. Also, at Clubs guys are nice... =)