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

In the beginning I was frightened of the surgery. I had made an appointment with another doctor a couple of years before I actually had surgery. But, I chickened out when I heard that 1 out of 100 patients die from complications of the surgery. I don't know if that is true or not.

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

My experience was not a bad one, although they required 3-6 more months of follow-ups with my family MD. He didn't chart all the appropriate things and that held me back for a few months.

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

Wonderful and humiliating. Wonderful in that the staff and doctor made me feel comfortable talking about this and where we would go from there. I brought my mom for moral support and they answered all her questions without hesitation. The humiliation came when it was time to measure, weigh, and figure out my BMI. These are things I totally ignored.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick and tired of not fitting in. "In" as in resturant boothes, amusement rides, clothes and generally feeling like an outcast. I do have to say though, that I have an awesome husband who NEVER complained or made comments on my weight. I also have the most wonderful friends in the whole world.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originally had planned on having the banding done, but I had a long talk with another surgeon. I had told him all the silly fears I had of having bypass and he totally eased my mind. I think the reason my surgeon didn't was out of respect for my decision. He did tell me however, that at that time, 100% of people wanting the band changed their minds.

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 went in with an open mind, not really thinking of dying. My thought was if I don't have the surgery, I will surely die. By this point, I had a few years of deep soul searching to come to this life changing decision. My only advice is, you have to really want it. There are always risks in everything. You just have to pick what you really want.

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 was wonderful. My husband made sure I understood that this was totally my decision, because he loved me no matter what. My friends really couldn't understand why I was having this procedure. To them, I wasn't that overweight. I carried my weight well. The few people I chose to share my weight with, were extremely shocked. Again, everyone has been extremely supportive and understanding.

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

My supervisor and company were all for it. I had NO troubles in this at all. I was out of work for approximately 5 weeks.

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

My stay in the intermediate care unit was absolutely wonderful. The nursing staff was so professional and caring. I couldn't have asked for better. I was there 4 days, 3 nights. I think the most important things to bring are comfy jammies and clothes to go home in.

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

The only real complications I had was gas on day #3. I asked for medicine (simethecone) to alleviate the problem and it worked. It was hard drinking all the water they wanted me to.

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 very excited that my insurance company agreed to pay for the surgery. My excitment caught on, as everyone around me was happy for me too. I really didn't have anxiety.

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

The first few weeks were very tough. I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I had no energy. Not being able to drink all what I was supposed to was the worst. I felt like such a failure. Here I had gone and done something this dramatic and was so determined to succeed, I couldn't even do that. I finally figured out that it was okay. Just do what I could do. Also, I think that when you start losing, that is a big confidence booster. For me, once I started introducing solid foods in, it was sooo frustrating to not be able to have the variety that my family was enjoying. I mourned food.

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

Less than 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.

I followed my regimen to the letter. The first few weeks were bad because of the monotony and limitations of the foods. Too many carbs, too much sugar..... As I began to "eat" again, the one thing that hurt me was eggs. I ate them for about 2 days before I realized what was wrong. It felt like I was having a gallbladder attack. I can eat them now, sparingly. I cannot stand the site or smell of sugar-free jello, pudding, orange flavoring for water, or protein shakes. Also, chewable mutivitamins gag me. It all makes me nauseous. I don't tolerate baked chicken or hamburger meat very well. They hurt.

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

I had no energy. But I MADE myself get up and walk around. I usually felt better after I did this.

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

I take a multivitamin, calcium, potassium, bioten, b-12.

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 was very lucky, because I didn't have the worse of anything. I did suffer from hair loss for about 3 months, not bad. And, I really avoided eating anything that would cause me to have dumping syndrome. Not to say I haven't had it. I think that is the worst. I would drink water and just wait it out.

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

The absolute worst is the first couple of months after surgery.

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

My scars are small and a dark purplish color. I have had other lap procedures and they don't look like this. But, I really had no idea what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had approximately 3 plateau's. I try to be patient and just change up my workout routine and really watch what I eat.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I get a lot more attention from guys who never gave me a second look before. It's funny, but I am so uncomfortable with all the attention. I spent so much of my life trying to hide behind big, flowing clothes and being a wall flower. I do understand that people mean well, but sometimes I just want to hide away. I am a very private person, so this has been difficult for me. I didn't expect this.