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

One of my mom's close friends had it done and I thought it was like a miracle.

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

It was alot easier than I thought it would be. The whole process took about 6 months from start to surgery.

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

My surgeon is so awesome. He never made me feel bad for being overweight like most doctors do. He explained that this is a life change and something that no one else can decide for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was my last resort in this weight battle.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor said he felt most comfortable doing the open RNY and I really didn't have a preference.

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 wasn't really scared, I just kept thinking if this is what God wants, then so be it.

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?

They were all so supportive, I couldn't have asked for more.

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

They were also supportive. They were the best people I ever worked for.

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

I spent the first 24 hrs in ICU and the night shift nurse was horrible. I had to be crying in pain before I would get any medication. The other nurses were very nice though. It was very hard at first, you can't move or even brethe very well and I was so thirsty.

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

I had none thank God.

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 guess about the first 2 months I wondered what have I done to myself, but now I would do it again in a heartbeat. No matter how many people you talk to, I really don't think you are ready for or understand the changes you will go through until you actually experience them for yourself.

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

Just try to move around the best you can and make sure you get enough fluids and rest too.

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

I was lucky and didn't have to travel out of town at all.

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 still can't handle chicken sometimes, but now I can have basically anything. Always put your protein first at meals. The first few weeks were liquids and then pureed foods which I hated. There were weeks I couldn't even keep water down which also made it hard. As time goes on though you try different things and see how they work. Sometimes something you couldn't handle before you can after some time.

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

I used my treadmill everyday which I know made a huge difference.

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

I take a daily chewable vitamin and calcium supplement. Also B12 shots monthly.

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 vomiting was definetly the worst. I didn't loose much hair which was good but I had weeks where I couldnt even keep water down!

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

Realizing that this really is a life long change and if you don't watch and go back to old habits you really can gain it all back. It's not a quick fix.

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

I am a memeber of a few online groups.

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

It's about 3 inches long in the middle of my stomach. I knew about it before hand so it really doesn't bother me. I actually look of it as a reminder of where I've come from.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After the first year I haven't lost anything. Actually, I have started to gain a few pounds back.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, somewhat. I am not looked down upon anymore, and boys look at me now.