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

Seeing Carney Wilson in magazines and on television. A Bariatric Treatment Center TV ad. Can't remember which came first.

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

Was easy. My primary care provider thought it would be a good thing for my hear, so he was wrote out the referral the day I requested it. Then Bariatric Treatment Center took it from there. It didn't hurt that I had 5 years of medical records with me on my first visit there.

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

I was kept waiting for 2.5 hours. It was very matter of fact. You would get the most out of this meeting by planning to be there all day. And, by writing down a list of any question you have so you won't forget to ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sheer determination not to spend the next half of my life in this obese body.

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

Stay in hospital was not a particularly happy memory. I went in on Tuesday morning, had surgery that day, and was released on Friday around lunchtime. I was in a lot of pain when I was in recovery and all day Tuesday. You don't need to bring a thing. Everything you could want (and you won't want much) will be given to you. The nurses always leave the door open, so it is not a really restful place.

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

No complications. The binders either fit my upper hips and were too loose to do any good for my incision, or fit around my middle but rolled up at my hips. The anti embolism socks were a nusance, and I suppose they did a good thing. However, I would caution anyone to check them every now and then because they roll down, and can cut off your circulation like a rubber band. Which would defeat the whole purpose. I asked a nurse for help (couldn't bend for a couple of days). It really hurt where they wrinkled.

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 was excited, but calm. I didn't over eat. In fact, I went from 346 at my consult to 333 the day of surgery. I just felt like this was the best thing for my health, and splurging on my favorite things would just defeat the whole purpose. It was a sense of calm. I couldn't believe it!

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

My first few weeks were very hard. My inlaws came to visit from out of the country for 3 weeks to boot. I did sleep in my own bed, for me a recliner was too hard to get in and out of. I kept a cane by the bedside, which made it easier to get up and down. I wore house dresses and shifts. No waistbands. You should expect to be sore and tired. Not to lift anything for about 3 weeks and then only gingerly. I was completely not prepared for nausea....even the slightest smell would turn me green. I would get a variety of flavors - everything you could eat on the Full Liquids seemed to be chocolate. Who would ever think you could get tired of it?

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

2.5 hours. Not convenient. But I would've gone anywhere.

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'm just 2 months out. Biggest surprise for me is that I don't tolerate breads, or pasta very well. Only very limited amounts. It gets better all the time. Sugar made me very sick the one time I accidentally had it. I eat very low fat, and no added sugar and seem to be doing fine. Hard to get in 64 oz liquid and food. My appetite has returned. Scares me. I am always afraid I will eat too much. Learning to recognize being satified. At least I hope I am.

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

Very poor first few weeks. This is my 8th week post op, and I have to say I am my old self again now. Not sure when it happened, but every day I felt a little stronger.

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

First Bugs Bunny Complete Sugar Free chewables. Now, prescription pre natals.

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 was by far the worst. Just like being pregnant. I still get naseated when I least expect it.Just not as often.

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

Pain. Upper GI. Lack of sleep in hospital.

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

Nothing outside the scheduled follow up appointments with surgeon. Assembly line style nutrition/dietician visits on those days. Printed literature. What info I can find on the web.

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

6 or 7 inches long vertially between bra band and naval. And a red spot just under it where a drainage tube exited. I had no idea what to expect. It is tender, not sore. Still red. Wonder when/if it will turn white.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Worry that weight will not continue to drop off. New daily anxiety on scales. And I know I should only get on them weekly....but I want to see them move!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.