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

My husband's friend introduced my husband to it, who in turn, introduced me to it. Years ago i had heard about it, but i was nauseated at the thought of turning my insides all around. Now, I'm so gung ho it's not even funny!!!! I can't sing it from enough mountain tops!!!

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

It was a little hairy because the bariatric center was SOOO overwhelmed and one of the coordinators who does all the paperwork and managing was out on jury duty, so everything was put off about 3 - 4 weeks. when we were expecting the approval - or at least hoping - it hadn't even been put in. so it was put in on a monday, and by that thursday, i had an approval letter. i almost pee'd my pants i was so happy!!!!

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

Dr. Danny Jacobs and Dr. Whyte are like angels in white coats!! They are friendly and knowledgable and interested in what the PATIENT has to say. What you need to do is go in educated. Don't go in not knowing anything about this surgery and risks and outcomes. and if there is something you don't understand, for heaven's sake, ask!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm young, I have never been thin. I have a family, and I need to be there for them, and myself. Being at this weight is sending me to a slow painful death. This is not how I need to live my life. I need a change. This is how it's going to be! And I can't wait!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Just what felt more comfortable to me by researching all options available. RNY

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 fully aware of ALL the complications that could happen, I've fought the fear by accepting it. And knowing that if I don't have this done, Being this size is killing me.

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?

I have such an awesome support system. No one has said anything negetive to me. I haven't had surgery yet, but i will update after.

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

My employer is a very health conscious woman and she said that anything that I had to do, dr. appts or whatever, she said that was fine. I told her everything. I spilled my guts!

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

I don't remember the first day, but it wasn't bad. I started a period while in the hospital. That totally sucked. Thank God for my husband. He's my angel. I went in on Tuesday and went home Saturday. It wasn't to bad. It'll be a while before i have jello or consumme again though.

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

I have been lucky enough to not have 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 got my surgery date just days before surgery. The situation was a bit different than normal. I coped with anxiety by preparing and praying.

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

The first few weeks home were hell. I slipped into a depression and i couldn't sleep. It was bad. But i started getting more comfortable with things and moving around easier. I snapped out of it at about a month out.

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

I live just minutes away from the hospital.

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.

It would be easier to say what i could eat. Cottage cheese, jello, water, crystal light, decaf iced tea, soft cheese, that's about it.

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

I go to a support group meeting once a month at the hospital i had surgery at. It is very helpful and important. We learn new things and ask questions. It's a no holds barred conversation.

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

I have a larger scar than i expected, but only by an inch or so. it's lightening up in color, it's not too bad. i'm willing to live with the scar. i COULDN'T live with the weight. it's worth it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Luckily, I have not had any plateau's, but i am prepared to have them, i don't want to believe that i won't have them, like i'm hollier than thow. (spelling?)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not necessarily differently, just people noticing the weight loss. that novelty has not worn off yet.