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

My father had had VGB when I was young. I watched it work and then later watched my father fail at it. I truly believe the procedure itself was successful, but my father didn't follow the rules post surgery.

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

I was very proactive in contacting the insurance company before I even went formy consult. I developed a contact person and corresponded with her throughout the whole process. They were wonderful!

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

The consultation was easy. I had done so much research myself that I was fully aware of the RISKS and REWARDS. My suggestion is to have a list of specific concerns about yourself and ask them! Also I can't stress enough the importance of knowing that there are real risks and weighing them against the risk of staying where you are!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was something had to do for myself. I wanted to be there for my family, but it was ultimately something I had to do for ME!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, Research, Research!!!

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 really wasn't living before surgery, I was just there. I realized that the risks of dying were just as great if not greater by not having the surgery than by having it. Also I made the commitment that if I woke up I would do whatever it takes to make this work. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

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 family was extremely supportive. The biggest step was telling them that I realized that I had a problem and that I was ashamed and tired of being who I was. Once they understood that the rest was easy. I am an advocate for bariatric surgery and am not afraid to tell anyone that I have had it done.

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

I was unemployed at the time. However, 8 months after surgery I am working in retail, standing on my feet and walking about 10 miles a day on an 8 hr. shift. I couldn't have ever thought it was possible. This surgery was absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself!!

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

My activity level went from walking the halls in the hospital the first three days to walking around the block6-7 times aday for the first week home to being able to walk 2-3 miles by the end of 2 weeks.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, B, B-12,C,E, and calcium citrate once a 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?

I have had no side affects what so ever. I have never dumped in 9 months. Never thrown up, I no longer have sleep apnea, high blood pressure or back pain. I followed the diet strictly for the first 6 months and am pretty good with it today. I do not try anything with refined sugar, but am able to eat anything else. I have had no problems with any food.

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

There was nothing bad about the process. Sure the first 6 weeks suck, but when I look back on it I laugh. What a small price to pay for a whole new opportunity on life.

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

I attend a monthly support group. It is invaluable. Not because of any of the information, but for the comraderie among peers.

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

Who cares, its not like I was going around without a shirt on before surgery. I actually don't care what other people think about it. Also it allows me to explain the surgery to people instesd of what they hear on the news.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I really haven't plateaued as far as I know. I have lost 190 lbs in 9 months. I have only weighed myself 8 times since surgery. I don't become consumed with the amount I lose. I know I eating and doing the right things so I let it take care of itself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't feel that people treat me any differently now, except they all want to know how I did it.