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

A friend mentioned it to me. At first I was very doubtful that I could make the life style changes. I also worried about what people would think about me if I had it done.

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

I have been very lucky with my insurance. I had the band done in 2003 and then a revision in 2010. Both times I got approval on the first letter.

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

My first visit was good. I had done a lot of research and had a list of questions. I listened to what the Doctor had to say then asked the questions that she hadn't answered. I also took my husband with me. I wanted him to hear everything first hand so his questions were answered as well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My 18 month old son. I was afraid my weight would kill me and someone else would raise my son.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My first surgery was the band. I wanted it because it seemed the least intrusive to my body. I have since had a revision to the sleeve. I changed because the band caused me complications that I didn't want to live with for the rest of my life.

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 was really afraid of not making it through surgery. That was my biggest fear. My second fear was that the doctor wouldn't get my stomach closed up correctly and I would have holes everywhere. The odds are very, very low of either event taking place. I have to say I prayed a lot and hoped for the best.

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?

My family has been very supportive. They know my battles with weight. My husband has had a hard time since the surgery. He wasn't ready for how much help I would need in the weeks following surgery. If I could do it over I would have him talk to the spouses of other people who had had the surgeries so they could prep him on what to expect. I think we should have joined a support group prior to surgery.

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 really give my emplorer a lot of details. I told him I had to have surgery on my stomach and he took it as that. He didn't ask a lot of questions. I had to be off for a total of four weeks plus once a month doctor visits six months prior to surgery and after surgery.

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

My stay was good. The hospital staff was great. I was there for about 24 hours. I had to go back a week later and stay over night and they were just as great then. I do have to say that my husband stayed with me. They were great about making sure he had what he needed. Since he was with me I didn't have to ask the nurses for as much. I am not sure how it would have been if I had been on my own. I took an overnight bag so I could put brush my teeth. I also took my own gown. If you take your own remember that you need buttons because it is hard to lift your arms above your head to pull something on. Also you don't need bottoms for the overnight because you will have a cathadier (spell?) and won't be able to put pants on.

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

I did. For two weeks I had a LOT of gas build up. I felt more bloated than when I was pregnant. It was very painful even though I walked as much as possible. Because of the full, bloated feeling I didn't drink like I should. I had to go back into the hosptial for about 36 hours to have fluids put in by iv. Since then I have been much better about drinking my fluids.

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 got my date about three weeks prior to the date. I tried not to think about what could happen and just focus on what needed to get done before I had surgery. I pray a lot and that is what I did when I got stressed. My husband and I also talked over every possible outcome and had a plan ready.

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

I second guessed my choice about two dozen times. I was so unhappy and depressed. The first two weeks were bad for me. My the third week I stared on foods that were not just liquid and things started to look better. Each week gets easier.

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

I didn't have far to go. My hospital and doctor are about 45 min. from where I live.

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 am currently three weeks out. The first three days were just flavored waters, 1/2 and 1/2 juice and water, and chicken broth. The next 11 days involved protein shakes. I got to say they are not wonderful. It takes some time getting use to. Also I couldn't drink and entire shake in the expected time. Now I am on soft foods: scrambles eggs, tuna (all mushed up), steamed and mushed up veggies, etc. I have had issues with milk products since surgery. I get a lot of "dumping" when I have milk or milk products. It has caused me to be careful when I try new things.

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

My first two weeks were slow walking. My the third week I was up to walking around the local malls. I am hoping by next week to be at the gym doing more.

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

I take a chewable multi vitamin, calcium and iron. I have tried a lot of chewable and liquid versions before I found one I like. The best iron pill I have found is from Bariaric Advantage. It is a lemon-lime flavored chewable pill. I will tell you none of them are great. Just try to find one you can live with because you have to take it for the rest of your life.

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 had all the above. The first two weeks the nausea was bad. I think the pain meds made it worse. My nausea just happen to go away after I stopped taking my pain meds. I had some vomiting. It was mainly when I started going from liquids to semi solid food. My body just wasn't ready for it. My sleep has been in 2 -3 hour sets. My body just couldn't find a comfy spot. Each night that gets better. I had lots of dumping at first, especially with milk products. Most of that seems to be going away. My hair has begun starting to fall out. I have added vitamins to see if I can stop some of the loss.

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

The days right after surgery. I would say the first two weeks. This is the time when you are really second guessing what you just did. I can tell you it is also hard to get your friends to do social things that don't involve food.

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

I found a local support group from the obesity help website. So far they have been very supportive. My hosptial also offers support group meetings I think joining a support group is a must. Your everyday life friends and family are not going to understand what issues you have. They may be supportive but they haven't lived it.

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

Scar is not bad. I have six small lines on my tummy. They are less than an inch each. I had seen other scars so I knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I have not plateau yet. I am losing about a pound a day. I do realize that the further out from surgery I get the slower my weightloss will be. I have to exercise more and eat better so that my surgery won't have been a loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people don't know I had surgery. Some thing I have just been sick. Not many people will tell me I am losing weight. I guess if they say it then they are also saying I was heavy. Skinny people are funny in how they avoid certain issues.