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

My dad had the surgery when I was a young child.

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

Insurance approval for the surgery went smoothly, it took them a couple of months, but I was not denied the first time around.

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

The first time I met my surgeon he just talked about health problems that overweight people face, types of surgery available, and the risks associated with the surgery. I spoke with the insurance people and a dietician who explained the lifestyle changes that had to be made.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being overweight, and I was concerned about future health problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that if I had a lap-band that I would have it removed, I knew that for myself I needed something permenant.

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?

Too many to name. I did not fear dying.

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 immediate family supported me, but my other family memebers (who are also obese) thought that I was making a huge mistake. I did not really discuss this with my friends, only my close friends, who for the most part supported my desicion (one of them had already had the RYGB). After surgery support was the same as before the surgery. Now my unsupportive family members think I am too skinny and worry about me.

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

I was not employed at the time.

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 not a good one. I was at a teaching hospital and the doctor in charge of my care, who was not my surgeon, was VERY inconsiderate. I have a very high tolerance to pain medication and he accused me of being a drug user. Other than that the hospital was great, the staff was very caring. I was in the hospital for 3 days. I would recommend bring any of the things you can live without at home.

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

I didn't really have complications from the surgery, but I did have problems after the surgery that were probably caused by the surgery such as gall stones and kidney stones. Lots of my hair fell out as well, but it has all grown back now.

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 felt extremley depressed, I wish I had never had the surgery. I wanted to eat something sooooo badly. I coped with my anxiety/depression by staying at home.

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

You should expect to feel regret. It is going to be really hard, you are going to want to eat something, there will be temptations. BUT IT DOES GET MUCH BETTER. You just have to give it time.

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

100 miles/2 hours.

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 everything but liquids like juice and water made me sick. As weeks progressed I began eating softer foods, most of which agreed with me. When I moved to solid foods I had a very hard time eating bread and some types of meat and vegetables. After about six months I was able to eat just about anything I wanted. I still cannot tolerate milk very well.

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

I walked two to three times a week.

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

I take a 2 multi-vitamins everyday, and a calcium supplement.

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 lots of nausea and vomiting after the surgery, I only had the nausea after having milk, the vomiting I coped with by chewing my food better, that usually seemed to help. But there were sometimes when I still threw up. I also lost a lot of my hair, but it has all grown back. I dealt with this problem by making sure to get the right amount of nutrients everyday.

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

The first few months after the surgery when you cannot eat like you used to. Then you learn how to live as the new you and things fall into place!

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

I had no aftercare support besides my family. I think aftercare is somewhat important. I don't think you have to go the hospital, I think you just need to have someone to talk to who has had the surgery, and a good support systems of friends and family.

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

My scars are basically non-existent, you can barely see them. I had it done laproscopically.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just now reached a plateau after losing about 100 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me much differently now. I get hit on more and I get much more respect from people. I know this is based on how I look, but I also think I am more confident in myself now.