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

I was searching on the internet to find out what was the criteria for surgery. I had a BMI of 38 and wasn't sure if it would be something for me. I was for it as my first impression.

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

I am very determined so no matter what they said would not stop me. At first I was denied, and then wrote an appeal letter, and within 1 week I was approved.

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

I loved my surgeon. He was very serious. I cracked a joke to him (you could tell he doesn't joke a lot) and that broke the ice between us. I would recommend him to even my mom.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was my only option. We have tried everything already. This is the last hope. I am glad I did.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only does 1 kind of surgery, so that made it easy. He is an expert at what he does. He used to do a couple, but found the best results with the RNY and stuck with it.

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?

I didn't have any. I am young and I knew I could bounce back from anything. (When you have gone through 5 days of labor, you can handle anything).

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?

Well, my parents asked a lot of questions, but supportive. My friends I found asked more questions and I think got a little jelous.

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

I didn't tell my employer what I was actually having done. They knew I was getting my gall bladder out, and thats it.

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 2 days. The nurses and doctor were great. The nurse I had, had the surgery. It was great to talk to her.

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

None

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 had 6 wks off from work. The first few days I was a little sore. By about the 4th day I was already starting to excercise.

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

The first few days your stomach is sore. By about the 4th or 5th day you should feel much better. By about a week even better. After 2 weeks no pain.

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

My hospital was only 15-20min. away.

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 could onlt have liquids for the first 3 weeks post-op. Then I started with pureed foods. By the 5th week I could start to introduce solids. Grease has been off limits. I can have sweets it seems. I have been able to tolerate almost anything I have tried.

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

I had a lot of energy. 4 days post-op I was walking 2 miles a day. I am 2 months out now and walk either 4 miles a day, or weight train 6 days a week.

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

I take 1000mg of B-12. 2 Flinstone Chewables, and 1 Viactiv taken 1/3 3 times 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?

I haven't experienced too much of anything, although I dumped once from eating too fast, and it was a little painful.

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

The long wait. Other than that everything has been a blessing.

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

We have a support group called Images. I need to get to one, although I confess that I haven't gone to one yet.

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

I have a 3in little scar under my breasts, in the middle of my stomach. The stitches were on the inside. The scar is healing really well and after 2 months it gets fainter each day. Yes it was what I expected and really isn't bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on a 3 week plateau. I am not too worried just because I was menstrating and exercizing 6 days a week. I really don't have a lot of weight to lose, so mine goes a little slower. But, I think from the excercise I am building a lot of muscle. I think I am still losing inches because my clothes fit better each day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I find I am treated a lot different. Sometimes I am still shy though. I still feel like that obese person. I wonder why people are being so nice. Men notice me a lot more. (I am young). If they knew me before, then I have no time for them now.