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

Id heard about the surgery for years but alway thought it a cheat. Then a friend of mine signed up for it and introduced me to another friend who had it done many years ago. They changed my mind.

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

At the time I had BCBS and my approval was pretty quick, the only thing I had to do was get a letter from my docs stating at least 2 yrs proof of being overweight.

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

Dr Halmi was great. The meeting only took about 10-15 minutes and he was very personable and answered all my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My then 2.5 yr old daughter trying to take care of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with what my other 3 friends had, it seemed to work for them.

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 really didnt worry about any of the fear. I have had surgery before and the % just werent enough to stop me compared to my loathing of my life at the high weight.

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?

Everyone I told was very supportive and couldnt wait to watch my progress. Everyone has been grand since.

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

home mom, work doesnt apply

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

My hospital stay was actually very easy and as pleasant as something like that can be. I was only in for 3 days. One of the most important things I brought was slippersocks and a soft blanket from home.

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

I have been blessed in that Ive had no complications at this time.

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 so nervous and scared and excited I babbled on for hours to my family and a few friends.

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

The first week about that I was home I was useless. I hurt for about 4 days and was so weak and tired that I really was glad my mother in law was around that week.

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

I live only about 30 minutes from the town the hospital and my doc are in.

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.

The first few weeks I couldnt eat and keep down much, tuna, yogart, peanutbutter crackers. That was about it. oh and ground beef and cheese was ok. Later I could eat almost anything for a few weeks then BOOM no more bread or leafy veggies. After about 3 weeks I could eat small amounts of bread and now at 16 weeks post I can eat salads. I found I cant eat shrimp now and I havent tried rice after about week 8.

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

The first 6 weeks I didnt do alot but I found I was willing to try. I could walk alittle better and didnt get so tired I wanted to pass out doing the grocery shopping. Then about 6 weeks post I started going to the gym 2-3 times a week and walking on the treadmill. Started off only about 11 min and now Im walking a mile in 20.

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

I take my kiddie vitamins, the b-12, thats it.

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?

mostly Ive only dealt with vomiting and slight nausia if I ate too much or something suddenly didnt like me. and only 2 cases of dumping. I have this great herbal tea though that is a miracle.

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

not being able to pick up things like my child for 3 months.

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

I attend a group located in my town, only made 2 meetings so far but it great to talk things out with others.

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

mine is very small, just under 3 inches long and 1/8 wide, I was very pleased at the size

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

havent really hit any so far.I have slowed down but still loosing steadily enough

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Actually, I have noticed more smiles from strangers and less weird looks. Its amazing what 80lbs will do for you. Might be cause I smile more now too.