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

I think I saw it on a TV news program. I wondered just how could it work and thought, I'd never be able to do it because I couldn't afford it.

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

I didn't have any trouble at all, it was very fast.

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

He was very helpful and answered all my questions. It helps to do research before hand so that you have things to go by. He was able to give my useful info on where to find out more about the procedure as well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had to save my life! I was headed down a road that I couldn't change on my own and couldn't bear not being able to live a good life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with what was recommended to me by my dr's.

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 main fear was the Sleep Apnea. That can be tricky when coming out of the anesthesia, but I did very well.

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 was mixed and friends couldn't have been more supportive. Even my co workers were wonderful, although most did not know what I was having done until afterwards. But they were all great.

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

She was very supportive. I had enough vac time and sick to cover most of the time I missed which was only 3 weeks. I sit at a desk so it was fine to go back that soon. I was tired of course but that was to be expected.

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

For the most part it was ok. I did spend longer in recovery than normal because of no available room but other than that it was ok. I had surgery on a Thursday and went home on Sunday afternoon. The most important thing for me was my CPAP machine. Other than that I really didn't need much seeing as how I was in bed except when I got up to walk!

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

None whatsoever.

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 scared, mainly because of the sleep apnea. I just went about my work and life and tried not to worry too much, I knew I'd be in good hands.

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

Dealing with the pain was the worst part for me and trying to get comfortable in bed to sleep at night. But getting out and walking helped so much. You should take it easy, don't push yourself. Also, have on hand soup and sugar free jello, popcicles things like that that are soft.

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

Mine was at a local hospital.

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 really haven't had too much trouble being able to eat anything. I started out on the soup, mashed potatoes and light and sugar free foods. I have been able to eat pretty much anything I've wanted to w/o any trouble. Twice I have experienced dumping where I had one bite too many and it had no where to go, but it didn't happen right away, it took about 15 to 30 mins for it to happen. I am usually VERY careful to eat slow and chew well, but I guess I just went a little too fast those two times.

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

When I first came home, I went out and walked short distances 4 times a day. As time went on I would go a little farther. I went back to work after 3 weeks and resumed most things, cleaning house, washing dishes, etc.. I have now started on a stationary bike, although very slow though, it hurts my legs since they aren't use to it.

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

I haven't as of yet. I tried liquid and chewable vitamins but I couldn't tolarate them. I will talk to my dr next week about what I should do. I feel fine not having taken them but I know I will need them.

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?

Sleep was the main thing, because of the pain at first, but other than that I haven't really had any problems and I don't seem to be losing any more hair than I did before I had surgery.

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

The pain in my stomach muscles.

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

I have been going to a support group at the hospital where my dr's office is. It has been great, being able to talk to others who have had the surgery and being able to share my experiences with those that are inquiring about the procedure.

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

It's big! I guess it's what I expected. I had one spot that didn't want to heal but it did finally. It will shrink up as time goes on so I'm not worried about it. I had 34 staples.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

As of right now I haven't had one. I am almost 3 months post-op and have lost 88 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. I get more compliments and strangers smile at me!