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

a few years ago my mom's friend had it. she had major complications and almost died (but she used a different surgeon than me) so at first, i never thought it would be something i'd do, but at the same time i was happy it was around.

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

i didn't get approved. they turned me down because of my age. (i'm 16) so they didn't even give me a chance. it was all self-pay. i think the insurance companies need to stop being so damn selfish and realize this is a disease, and it's killing many people.

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

he was friendly, and explained to me everything about the procedure. people need to listen carefully, and realize exactly what they're getting themselves into. they need to realize once they make the decision to do this, there's no turning back. that it's a lifelong choice. and if they have ANY questions they don't need to hesitate at all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i got sick of being the way i am, and knew it would only get worse.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

the doctor recommended it.

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 thought about something going wrong, complications (just everything) because i'm a compulsive worrier. BUT, for anyone else who thinks this, it's NOTHING to worry about. it was a little painful for the first week but nothing you can't tolerate. i wasn't even nacious.

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?

they wanted me to have it. very supportive.

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

they were happy for me and i just told them i was having it. i was out 3 weeks, but only because i thought i would need an extra week off, when really 2 weeks would have been enough.

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

it was good. the staff were friendly, but i was kinda sore alot afterwards, it got better as time passed, and i had a pain button too. i was there 24 hours. you just need to bring your clothes/deodorant and other personal items. if you bring a toothbrush, you won't be able to use it until the next morning.

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

No, i didn't have any while i was at the hospital. a couple weeks after i had bad problems with constipation. it was very uncomfortable, and nothing seemed to work. i eventually had to go to the ER and get an enema, while the first Fleet type didn't work, they had to give me another called milk and molassis which helped. this can be prevented by making sure, you get PLENTY of liquids and adding some fiber to your diet.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

the first couple days after surgery i thought ''this is going to be a breeze as soon as the pain goes away.'' i was wrong. after a few days i began to get cravings for food i used to eat. i got alot of head hunger and seeing people around me eat certain foods, made me depressed. i wanted to eat too, and i began to pay more attention to the food commercials more than anything, i started to dream about food, and every now and then i'd cry because i couldn't have it. i felt as though i HAD to have a hamburger, or a taco, or pizza. the foods i used to endulge myself in. it sounds stupid, but when you have this done you're giving up an addiction, and that addiction is food. it's just like someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. getting over it is far from easy. but i've came to learn these cravings go away with time. i cope with the anxiety by taking baths, going to a movie, being with friends and laughing, reading, internet, just hobbies that help keep a smile on your face. you'll make it.

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

the pain gets better day by day. it's not even bad at all. some people vomit, but i never did. they should expect to mourn the loss of food, i think everyone does. it's a bad feeling but it gets better with time.

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

it was about an hour away from my house, which isn't too bad.

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.

before surgery they give you a little book and ask you to read it front to back before going through with the surgery. it tells you valuable information like things you're allowed to eat and when. when i got the book i didn't read it all, and that was a mistake. i suggest to everyone else to read it completely so you'll know everything needed to help you along your way. i still refer to it. the first week or so i could only have liquids like jello, sugar free popsicles, and broth. then it got better. it went to soft foods like mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt..things of that sort. and i'm currently still at that phase. but week 7 i can start eating veggies and more things that aren't unhealthy. and that lasts for 6 months. then it tells you a lifelong thing to keep your weight off. i think breads and stuff are off limits now, anything with sugar, soft drinks are completely out, even diet.

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

after the first week i began to want out of the house and i went to a few stores. about the second week i started walking.

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

B12, Iron, Multi-vitamin, calcium. bariatric advantage is the brand i use.

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 haven't really had any yet. maybe the sleep thing. because i've been going to bed really really late, and sleeping late, but i don't think it's anything to do with the surgery. i'm in my third week now.

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

mourning the loss of food.

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

i went to only 1 so far before surgery. i met nice people there and heard them talking about their weight loss. i'm planning on going to more. it's helpful and i think it's very important to staying motivated.

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

it's like 6 little tiny laser insisions that are barely even noticeable. i expected it yes, because i had my gallbladder removed before and knew what they'd look like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i'm only in week 3, so i don't think i've got that far yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

my mom tries not to bring foods around me that make me want to eat them, haha! other than that, nothing is different.