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

Neweigh advertisements. My first response was "Sign me up!"

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

I was approved in about 14 days with no problems.

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

Learn all you can in advance. Go on the web read reports about long term issues. Look past the first year and find out if you want to live with this decision long term. The vitamins, the eating habits, the change in your absorbtion. Don't just look at all the good things that come out of surgery, Look at the bad. Learn as much about your surgeon as you can. My surgeon was very abrupt at my consultation however, I expected it because of all a I read about him. I am glad I was informed about him or I probably would have been offended and scared. I just knew that that is how he is and he does that for a reason. I was comforted in knowing because there is so much in this that you don't know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I can't lose this weight on my own and the sooner I realize that and get on with this the sooner I start shrinking!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did lots and lots of searching on the web and emailing people who have had it done. Educate yourself!

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 trust God. He can take me whenever He wants. If it is my day to go then He'll take me and I have peace knowing it is part of His plan.

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?

It took a while to educate my family and muster an amount of support that I was comfortable with. I had to talk to my husband about what I would be like after surgery because being skinny is not worth my marriage. I wanted him to understand the changes in lifestyle that this surgery brings about and make sure he could live with the changes in my life style and be able to adjust.

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

My hospital stay was ok. By the 2nd day I was feeling good enough to notice that the bed was uncomfortable. The staff was adequate. sharing the room was better than I thought it would be.

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 have been contimplating this surgery on and off for 6 years. Because of the time I've spent educating myself and praying about it I am really at peace right now.

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

I got tired easily the first 4 weeks or so. I didn't hurt much at all. I felt alot better after the staples came out (they were beginning to itch). The most intense problems I had adjusting to this were the first 3 weeks. My husband was very worried about me because I talked about food so much. After you figure out how to not eat what you are not supposed to eat even though it is there, It gets better fast.

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

150 miles

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 can eat anything. I don't eat everything though. I try to stick to moist meats and salad.

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

I slept alot the first few days. I napped every day the first 5 weeks. I didn't have the energy to do laundry or clean house until about 5-6 weeks out.

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

4 flintstones a day. I'll get blood work done to see how this is working.

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

Waiting for approval and a date. And also getting used to the food requirements.

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

6 little holes. They don't bother me and they were pretty much exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Platue week 2. very distressing. I lost 15 pounds the first week and nothing again until week 4. ugh! It was scarey! I was dehydrated and I think as my water intake was climbing there was a trade from fat weight to water weight. Also I had not told all my family and friends that I had done this and we ate together and I didn't want to hurt anybody's feelings so I ate some things that I shouldn't have eaten. I will not sacrifice any more. Most people know now and I am not in such positions any more. Carbs cause platues!!! Also dunig those 3 weeks I was losing inches. Measure yourself! It could turn out to be a much needed pick me up!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me different now because I act differently. I am much happier and much more self confident. I have been told that I am more fun to be around and I am less afraid of what people are thinking about how I look.