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

Honestly, I saw commercials over the years for it, but never felt I was "that desparate" to try it. I was sure that I hadn't given enough effort into the multiple attempts...or that there was another diet that is especially prone to work with my eating habits...I just hadn't found it yet. When I became seriously interested was after an article come out on Carnie Wilson, explaining her weight loss process.

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

My experience was very positive. (Thank, God.) I strongly recommend that you have a typed out family history, a typed out medical history listing co-morbidities, medical records from your family doctor, a typed out dietary history (specifically identifying weights, years, and attempted diets),and pictures of yourself (profile and straight on.) From what I understand, the pictures aid the insurance company with putting a face with the name...and hopefully juggles thoughts that if they approve/decline, they're approving/disregarding a person, not just a procedure...

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

Take a list of questions with you....My surgeon, Dr. Nigh, was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend you take the most resistive, or negative person with you to meet with the surgeon, and let them ask their questions directly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The statistic that 1 in 10,000 obese people have the likelihood of losing their weight and maintaining that loss for 5 years. And, learning that the more diet attempts a person has tried, the less likely they are to succeed at losing weight independently.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty. According to this website it's call VBG (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty). I decided upon this because my issues weren't with sweets...but with binge eating. This tool assists with regulating food consumption. 2 years later, I had to have a revision to a RNY because I developed an allergic reaction to my band. As a result, the band perforated my esophogus, and caused scar tissue; hence, making food difficult to pass through my stomach.

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?

Your fears are a learning process....Yes, I was afraid...but, I wanted to make the most of my life, and what time I had left...because ultimately, I could have died before the surgery, should it had been God's will. Basically, lay it at God's feet, and his plan will guide you on your journey.

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?

Initially, family was NOT supportive. I later found out that it was lack of information on their part. They thought I was going into the hospital to have 150 lbs cut off of my body....rather than my losing the weight. So, I recommend that any person considering this procedure, or any procedure, research it....print off the information, and give it to your loved ones as part of your explaination.

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

Fortunately, the agency I work for has been absolutely FANTASTIC!!! I initally stated that I was taking time off for an elective "female" surgery...but later specified what the surgery was. My bosses were absolutely wonderful, and were very supportive in my decision. I have taken 3 weeks total off of work. For my 2nd surgery, I took 4 weeks, off.

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

The people at the hospital were wonderful...for the most part. There was ONE nurse that I didn't "click" with, but otherwise, everyone was fantastic. I was in the hospital for 5 days, 4 nights. Bring pajamas, slippers with rubber bottoms, underwear, shampoo and conditioner, soap, relaxing music, a book to read, a prepaid phone card and a favorite pillow. The 2nd time around, everyone was cream of the crop, at the hospital.

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

Only complication was a reaction to the morphine...this gave me dry heaves...not good with a new incision. I dealt with it by requesting an alternative be given. The 2nd surgery, I had a lot of diffuclty with the Jackson Pratt tube. When removing it, it got hung up in my rib cage. Otherwise, it was pretty much smooth sailing.

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 really wasn't too nervous until the week before. I joined into the chat room on this site...as well as joined some other internet support groups to discuss my levels of anxiety. And honestly, I ATE A WHOLE BUNCH before this surgery. The 2nd time around, I wasn't too nervous, until I checked into the hospital. Since I had been through the found round, I had a better understanding of what to expect, so it wasn't bad at all.

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

Well, I'm only 4 days out. The most difficult thing right now is the Head HUNGER. Although I know my stomach isn't hungry, my head says it's bored, so we might as well eat. That's been pretty tough to redirect maladaptive thought processes. For my 2nd surgery, I had a lot more difficulty this time around. A lot more pain! I went through a depressive period as the meds worked their way out of my body. Otherwise, everything was fine.

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

I have to travel an hour each way. Aftercare is the same. This is a pain in the rear to be honest. It makes me more prone not to go to the support meetings because they're late in the evening, and I'm a chicken to drive at night.

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.

Well, really, the only food I had some problems with (and I haven't explored much) is eggs. I got sick on eggs about the 2nd week out. The most difficult thing for me is eating slowly. I have had an increase in vomiting over the past 2 weeks (I'm 6 weeks post op) because I've eaten too fast. 2nd surgery, WAY different then the first. I'm not lactose intolerant, and cannot drink milk. (I LOVE MILK) Sugars: no more than 10 grams, or I dump. Cravings are significantly different. I crave salt!

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

I found that my stamina wasn't as high the first 4 weeks after surgery. I felt great, physically...but tired easily. As of the 6th week, I feel great, and my stamina is gradually improving. I walked on my treadmill immediately after I was released from the hospital. I've gradually increased the speed and intensity of the workout, and am now up to about 2 miles per day. 2nd surgery, completely different. It took me probably 2 months to gain back 100 percent of my strength. Very slow mending process.

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

Flintstones Complete Chewable vitamins. (4 of them a day) 2nd: 4 flintstones, b12 sublingual 1 per week, 1 iron/day, 2 tums calcium per day. Haven't done my first lab work yet, but I'll keep you posted.

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?

For the first 3 weeks, I had terrible difficulty sleeping because I am unable to sleep on my back. So, my sleep averaged about 4 hours per night. Once I was able to lay on my stomach (approximately 3 weeks after surgery) I was able to sleep fine. As I said before, eating too fast, I vomit...but it's my own fault. 2nd surgery, slept much better, but took the pain medicine. Nausea, experience it 3-4 times per week, still. Vomiting, rarely, but it happens. Vomiting is HORRIBLE. Dry heaves. Nothing comes up!

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

The ugly scar on my stomach, and trying to obtain support from my family. (They did come around but were not supportive initially.) I had a lot of difficulty staying in the 5 lbs. lifting limit too.

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

I attend behavioral counseling on a 1 on 1 basis, through my program, one time per month. I also attend group meetings at the hospital that performed my surgery two times per month. I attend these meetings because if I knew how to control my lifestyle (eating habits), I wouldn't have needed this surgery. I feel it's extremely important because it helps to keep me accountable. (Plus, it's free with my surgery.)

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

My scar is VERY large, compared to what others describe on this website. It extends from my breast bone - down to my navel. (Approximately 8 inches in length.) I was expecting it to be smaller, but am still thrilled with my choice to have this procedure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've only experienced (knock on wood) a couple of times in 6 weeks. I know that when I experience plateaus, my body weight is shifting, and that I'm losing inches. (Or at least this is what my mind thinks so I don't get too frustrated.)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Honestly, yes I do. People seem to feel like they can be more honest with me. I don't necessary mean this in a positive way either. They say things like, "I'm so glad you're losing weight, you were so fat before....you looked so bad before..etc." I feel like this is just plum rude, and would prefer to not hear other's opinion on my presentation. (Either before or after.)