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

I sat next to a woman in a meeting she had lost weight and alwas searching I asked her how. She took me in the ladies room and explained I called the Dr the next day.

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

Keep bugging them- they will approve it

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

Bring a list of questions and get them answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

the lifelong struggle with weight I felt it gave me some hope- and it did!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Doctor recommended it and I trusted him.

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 had major surgery before i wasn't afraid of dying from that.

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?

Family thought I was crazy- friends were supportive

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

I did not care - I work with nurses/MDs MDs were more critical then nurses.

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

My nursing care was not so good, but i am a nurse and sometimes that happens. Bring personal items. I made sure i had slip on shoes/slippers and a snap down the front bathrobe (very lightweight) it made things easier.

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

None, the usual vomit once in awhile still after 2 years- BUT I always know why either too much, too fast or too big a piece.

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 still grieve for the food. I miss pigging out sometimes but it passes fast. After surgery I thought about how I had let someone reconstruct my insides (especially being a nurse) but I am very happy I got it done!!

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

Have some help I live by myself and my Mom came in during the day. I slept in a recliner first week or so- was easier to get out of then a bed. Get out of the house even for a ride in the car as soon as you can, you will feel better BUT do not overdo it. REST!! AND ADHERE TO THE DIET THEY GIVE YOU!! It is for a reason and doesn't last forever!!

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

45 Minutes- I got a ride for my 2 week check up. Was not too bad.

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.

Soft/pureed diet i got very creative i made pasta free lasagna the 3rd week mixed ground turkey sausage/ sauce and ricotta cheese, not bad. I also ate refried beans with cheese melted on them- this is when pureed food was getting VERY boring- I eat Everything now- just must less of it- I do eat fairly healthy though- lots of fiber, veggies- not much fried or high fat High fat food still makes me very nauseated. ( not a bad thing)

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

I walked a bit- I did for myself at night when i was alone. i was out of work 7 weeks ( i had the time). I was tired but felt better and better as time passed.

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

I take a ton - but i always did. too many to list!!

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?

Nausea- I still get it. Hair came back thicker and wavy (yes!!)

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

It was painful- BUT I would do it again!! I am so happy I did it!!

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

I went to support group, but I cannot now because I am in school the same evening- I will go back when i can.

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

I had my appendix out at age 10 gallbaladder at 25 scars do not bother me actually this one looks the best of all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

would lose weight 1-2 lbs then 5-6 it was not a regular pattern but it came off!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absoulutely!!! It is a different world now.