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

I've known about bariatric surgeries. My mom, her 2 sisters and my youngest brother all had an intestinal bypass in the 1970's for weight loss. But, they had negative repercussions from the surgery and that made me skeptical. I started my WLS journey 14 months before I finally had the surgery.

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

My insurance would not approve the surgery - I had to self-pay

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

I thought I was fully prepared going into my meeting. I had all my ducks in a row, so to speak. But, I didn't have the emotional aspect in check.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided I was a worthwhile person and should not settle for an early death due to complications from obesity!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RESEARCH AND MORE RESEARCH!!!!!!

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 afraid the surgery wouldn't work for me. I had failed at so many other weight loss attempts. I had also seen family members have complications from a different weight loss surgery and was afraid I would have the same ones. But, I know that this surgery can and does have a high success rate and that I will be one of them

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 was skeptical at first. They were concerned due the problems family members have had from WLS in the 1970's. But, when I took them to an information session, they quickly changed their minds. My friends have been supportive all along - before and after. They have contributed to my success thus far

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

My supervisor was skeptical at first (I work at a hospital) but after I shared with her my feelings and confidence in this surgery, she was very supportive - as have my co-workers. I was out of work less then 3 weeks.

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

I had to stay a total of 4 days due to an unexpected complication. My care at Celebration Health was wonderful - they had everything I needed. I brought loose, comfortable clothing.

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

Yes, I had to stay an extra day due to a low blood count. As I watched my 2 "litter mates" leave, I was devastated and couldn't stop crying. Fortunately, my nurse came in and talked to me and helped me out immensely. Thanks Izzy!!

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 felt relieved. I was nervous, but the staff at US Bariatrics and Dr. Kim were very supportive. At first I didn't want any one to know about the WLS, but as I started telling friends and co-workers, they were more supportive then I could imagine!!

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

I was surprised by how horrible I felt. This laporoscopic surgery was harder then my previous ones. I had a lot of left sided pain and found it hard to stand straight for days!

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

20 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.

At first, chicken broth was my only friend! I remember how excited I was when I was served scrambled eggs and applesauce.........but wasn't able to eat very much. For the first week, pureed foods wasn't very desirable, but was all I could eat. As real food was slowly introduced, I started having problems with food sticking just above the pouch - and boy does that ever hurt!! But, as time went on, I have been able to eat more and more normal foods. I just had to be patient. Just because I couldn't eat it last week doesn't mean I can't eat it next week.

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

Immediately after surgery, I could hardly walk upright - it hurt so bad on my left side. I returned to work 2 1/2 weeks after surgery and found it very challenging. My doctor encouraged me to start exercising. I started out walking daily (not far at first) and joined a gym. As I started feeling better and better, it made it easier and easier to exercise!

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

I take bariatric vitamins: multiple vitamins 3 times daily calcium citrate 2 times daily iron tablets daily CoQ10 2 times daily B12 shots monthly

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 am still fairly new - only 3 months out. I don't have any nausea, but have vomited, mostly due to my own improper eating habits. Sleep disturbance is my biggest issue. I have found it so hard to sleep without an over the counter sleeping aid.

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

The worst for me is finding things I can eat that don't cause problems

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

US Bariatrics has a structured aftercare program and monthly support meetings (the 2nd Wednesday of the month)

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

I have 3 punture marks and 2 incisions. They healed nicely due to being glued

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was 278 when I had my surgery - I plateaued at 250 for a week and 230 for a week. It's now been just over 3 months since my surgery and I weigh 223.2 lbs

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no..........It seems like people are friendlier, but maybe it's because I feel so much better??