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

I have always known about bariactric surgery. I am a nurse. But I always thought it was very complicated and dangerous, not to mention ineffective longterm.

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

I have Prudential POS in Texas. I had no difficulty getting approved for surgery. As a matter of fact, they approved me with no questions asked.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was very informative. He satdown with me and explained all the good and bad about the surgery. He took time with me to make sure I understood what I was getting into.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that if I didn't do something drastic, I would be fat forever. I knew that I had tried everything else and was still fat. I knew that losing weight is only half the battle. Keeping it off is what is impossible. So I decided that this procedure had to work for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked about it with my surgeon and decided this was right for me. I knew that it was totally reversible if I had any complications.

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 did not have a lot of fear. I had thought this over for so long and weighed the po's and con's so ofren that I was ready to face whatever happened.

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 husband wanted me to do whatever I thought was best for me. My mother was very skeptical. She told me I should just "get on a good diet". I told her I had been on a good diet for 30 years and it hadn't worked for me. Now, my mother is a believer (post-op).

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

My employer was supportive.

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 calm and quiet. I was in alot of pain for the first 2 days. I had a PCA pump with Morphine and it was not effective. After I talked to my surgeon and asked for Demerol instead, things improved drastically. By the fourth day, I was doing great!

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

No complications.

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 kept busy getting supplements and vitamins I would need.

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

Immediately after surgery, I was somewhat depressed. I don't know why but it dissipated quickly. After that, I was pretty sore for awhile. At 10 days post-op I returned to work (I have a sedentary job)and felt pretty much normal other than some fatigue.

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

My doctor and hospital are about 65 miles from home. It did not affect my aftercare. I saw the doctor 1 week post-op and am scheduled to return 16 days post-op.

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.

After surgery, I was put on a clear liquid diet, drinking 1 oz per hour. In 2 days, it was increased to 2oz., then 3oz. When I left the hospital, I could have full liquids 3 times per day, with clear liquids every hour.

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

For the first 10 days I didn't do much of anything. Then, on the 11th day, I went back to work. Just getting up and getting dress was exhausting but the more I did it, the more I could tolerate it. Now, 2 weeks after surgery, I am pretty much back to normal which is not very energetic but able to tolerate daily activities. I just started walking daily and I do feel more energetic.

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

I take one chewable vitamin per day and 4 Tums for calcium. I also drink at least one protein drink per day.

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?

The only problem I have had is some slight nausea for the first week after surgery. I have not experienced any dumping, vomiting, etc. I guess I am lucky!

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

The worst part is having a 10 inch scar on my abdomen. That think that is partly why I was depressed after surgery. But I have come to realize that it will fade and will not always be so ugly.

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

I do not yet have a support group except for internet support. I am looking for one.

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

It is 10 inches long. But it is fading and doesn't look nearly as bad as it did right after surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 2 weeks post-op and have not yet experienced any plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

There are several people already saying that I am losing weight.