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

I was very against it at first, when I looked into it five years ago. Now they do the laprascopic procedure, so I was more willing to give it a shot. Now, I'm losing weight like crazy.

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

I had no problems once the doctor's office faxed the paperwork out. My insurance specifically covered bariatric surgery.

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

I was not impressed initially. I had to fill out massive amounts of paperwork before I went, and then had to watch a 30 minute TV show that my doctor had been on. The doctor was in a hurry, and didn't answer all of my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My internist said I would be dead in ten years if I didn't do something about my weight. I don't want to be dead at 53.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed it with my internist and surgeon, and read everything I could find on the outcomes and potential side effects of the various procedures.

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 of dying, but who isn't? I know that it is scary for those going in, but really, I was going to die early without the surgery, so there wasn't much of a choice to make.

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 supportive and caring, although they were not prepared for what I looked like coming into my room in intensive care, even though I tried to prepare them. After surgery, things have been mostly OK, although they expect me to do and lift more than I think I can this soon (three weeks) post-op.

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

I was out of work for ten days, three days later than I intended to be back. My clients were supportive and caring.

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

My stay in the hospital was mostly uneventful. I knew what to expect for the most part. I didn't expect the NG tube that was needed, and the OR staff ran me into a wall on the way to the intensive care. I brought too much. I only needed my pajamas, tooth brush, deodorant, shampoo and powder, an outfit to wear home. I wish that I had brought my home-made soap, as it is easier on my skin than commercial bar soap. A teddy bear would have been nice to cuddle with when I was hurting, but a 43-year-old with a teddy bear is a funny sight.

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

I had ten times more pain than I expected. I couldn't get my oxygen sats up, so they couldn't give me as much pain relief as I wanted. I asked for more, and they gave me a non-narcotic pain reliever to add to the PCA, and I finally got relief.

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 ready for the surgery, and I just wanted the time to pass quickly. I wish that I had spent more time eating the foods I won't be eating much of, but I was trying to lose weight prior to the surgery, so I didn't eat much. The anxiety was best dealt with by staying busy, and preparing for the surgery.

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

I was in pretty severe pain, and the prescription I took home gave me hallucinations and I couldn't stay asleep. My doc changed the scrip, and I started to feel better. Food was a non-issue. I wasn't hungry and didn't want to eat at all. Liquids went down easily and I ate protein pudding and suger-free popsicles a lot.

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

I went 75 miles away to get the surgeon my internist insisted on. They only drawback is having to go back for check-ups and traveling so far for all the pre-op stuff. The support group is pretty far, too.

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 ate exactly what my doctor told me I could have, and things went pretty smoothly. I haven't thrown up since surgery.

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

I am three weeks post-op, and I am walking more and more every day. We're going back to the gym this week.

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

Chewable multi vitamin with iron (Nutri-Stars for kids), chewable B-12, vitamin A & D gel-cap, calcium liquid. I also use genisoy powder and Isopure No-Carb Whey protein powder (from GNC).

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 couldn't sleep for the first two weeks after surgery except in the recliner and then only for an hour or two at a time. After the pain subsided, I could sleep in the bed for a few hours at a time. At three weeks I could finally sleep on my stomach again, and now I'm sleeping much better. I have had no vomiting, little nausea, no dumping and no hair loss so far.

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

I never expected it to hurt so much. I have had many abdominal surgeries, and expected to be able to deal with this pretty well. I was not happy and in a lot of pain.

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

I go to the support group at the hospital that I had the surgery at. My doctor is helping me to start a local support group in my town.

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

I expected the scars, and they are healing well with the exception of a small area the opened up and is healing more slowly. There was no infection.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They look at me more critically to see if I'm losing weight, and I think some people think I took the easy way out. They should walk a mile in my shoes before they think that. This way anything but easy.