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

I have been hearing about it for years. I thought it was a little drastic.

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

I had no trouble with my insurance. I was told it would probably not happen, that my insurance (Aetna) generally tried to avoid paying for bypass surgery. Thank God they gave me no trouble.

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

I was shocked at his bluntness. It really made me want to cry. It brought to the front just how many times I had failed. To get the most, come prepared. The surgeon is trying to make you understand what is involved. As he told me- you've failed so many times before, what makes you think this will be any different? Go prepared with an answer!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Couldn't stand it anymore. My blood pressure was going up, a problem I had never before experienced, and I was constantly tired. I didn't have the energy to do a thing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After researching my options, I decided I did not want the Roux n y because of the malabsorption it causes. I wanted to have as normal a digestive process as possible.

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?

My biggest fear was pain. Find a doctor you have confidence in adn research him/her. Pray hard!!

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?

My parents were shocked at my decision, and tried to pursway me against it. I was asked0 "isn't it permanent?" My responce was_ "so is dying from being overweight." After surgery, everyone has been great, almost too supportive!

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

I lost my job the week before surgery for unrelated issues. However, they were very supportive of me being out. I told them exacly what I was doing.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days after surgery. The nurses were very supportive. The most importnt thing I brought was my toothbrush. I wasn't allowed anything by mouth for several days, and being able to brush my teeth, (without swallowing!) made me feel human again.

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

I, thankfully, had no 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?

The closer I came to the surgery date, the more anxious I became. However, I knew I had made the right decision. I worked through my anxiety my spending a lot of time with my husband and child.

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

I ws tired a lot. Do not expect to do a whole lot of housework Get someone to help you.

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

I only had to travel about 20 minutes from my house. I felt blessed after hearing some people were traveing hundreds of miles for the same surgeon.

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 has only been 2 weeks since my surgery. Off limit--sodas!! I eat a lot of chicken, mashed potatoes, and peas and carrots. I am finally beginning to experience hunger pains, telling me I need to eat.

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

The first couple of days were the hardest. Walking around the nurses station was one of the hardest things I have ever done!! It is now 2 weeks post op, and I am walking about 30 minutes a day.

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

I am taking Scooby-Doo chewable children's vitamins twice a day!!

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?

My biggest concern was sleep disturbance. I am a belly sleeper, and right now that is just not possible!! I ahve not experienced any adverse problems such as vomiting, hair loss, or dumoing syndrome.

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

The worst part has been watching my family eat normal meals that I have cooked!!

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

I have not been involved in an aftercare suport group other than my friends and family. They have been great!

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

My scar extends from right between my breasts to 2-3 inches above my belly button.. It itches like crazy!! It is higher than what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

As I am only 2 weeks post-op, there have been no plateau experiences yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People apologize for eating in front of me. This was my choice, not their's.