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

My mother had WLS 18 years ago. You'd think I'd learn from her troubles but I just kept gaining. This site has been exceptional for current information.

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

No problem at all with approval. My advise... patience!

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

Bring someone else with you or if not write your questions down so you won't forget them while you are there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tried of the rollercoster ride of diets. Enough!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the safest and quickest recovery - I chose to have RNY Laproscopic. I would not have had surgery if open was my only choice.

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 fears were very real! I kept telling myself that I could still back out. Even when I was on the table in OR! I didn't write any letters to relatives - thought that was like giving up before I got there!

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?

They think it's great. Now that it's over they are most releaved.

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

My boss actually told me she was jealous! I've got great co-workers who are just wonderful! Love those ladies! I was out of work for 2 weeks.

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. The first 2 days I didn't think I was going to make it. Just give me the pain meds! Every day I was 100% better than the last. The most importiant thing to bring is chapstick and a pillow for the ride home

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

No complications at all.

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 feel great. No anxiety nothing. Just glad its overwith.

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

I did no lifting (including the cat) and let my husband do it all. A week later I was much better and could actually reach my backside without assistance. Just drink your water and do what the doctor says.

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

I traveled 1.5 hrs to the hospital. A bit far but worth it for the surgeon. I have to drive to see him and the nutritionist but you get over it.

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.

2 weeks into post-op life was all liquids and creamy foods. From 3-4 weeks I slowly started to eat real foods. I'm at 7 weeks and still have problems if I don't chew enough and breads are hard to eat. I have not gotten sick.

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

I have a group on-line that I talk to. I find this site to be helpful too.

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

I had the surgery done laproscopically. I have 4 scars that are each about 1 inch and a 5th scar that's only about 1/4".

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm down 34 lbs in 7 weeks and am feeling great. Last week I had my period and lost nothing which was difficult for me. I cried and cried. However, things are back up and running. I will have to learn that your hormones can do these things.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I haven't lost a huge amount of weight yet but people at the supermarket actually said hello to me in the store the other day. That never happened before.