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

I first felt that bariatric surgery was obtainable for me when I saw a commercial about lap band surgery. Although I did not choose that surgery, ultimately it gave me the courage to contact my insurance provider and find out more information on what would be realistic for me.

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

My insurance provider required that I have a six month supervised weight loss check up with my family dr. to qualify for surgery. I absent mindedly forgot one appointment and had to start my requirement all over. When an insurance company gives you the requirements they will hold to them to the end. This is their loop hole. Don't give them any room to say no.

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

My first visit was very informative. My surgeon was caring and knowledgable. I had written down questions before I went to my appointment and went over those questions with my doctor. NO question was considered silly or stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of food and weight dominating every aspect of my life. Enough was enough.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with my family doctor who had the lap band procedure and with her experience and the issues that I have with food I decided on gastric bypass. I also had a signifigent amount of weight to lose.

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 didn't really have any fears. I was very confident in my surgeon.

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 very supportive. They just wanted me to be happy with myself.

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

My coworkers were really happy for my decision. I did get a little bit tired of the constant questions. I felt a bit like a side show. I was off of work for 2 weeks but could have easily gone back in one week.

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

I was only in the hospital overnight. The worst part was that I shared a room with a patient who wanted her family to bring her food from every fast food restaurant in town. I knew that it would be a long time before I got to eat anything remotely normal and the last thing I wanted to smell was a big cheeseburger. The hospital should have been more sensitive to this.

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

I had reoccuring urinary tract infections that turned out to be kidney stones. Probably from not drinking enough water.

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 my surgery. I was just rushing to fill all my dr. requirements for surgery. I had to travel 4 hours to my doctor.

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

The first week was the hardest. Every commercial seemed to be of food and although I was not hunger I wanted to eat. Sugar free jello and chicken broth were all I was allowed. My families support was crucial at this time.

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

I traveled 4 hours. I did create a bit of a hardship in my aftercare only due to the time off work.

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.

Initially I followed my dr's orders to the letter. I only ate the things on my list. I gradually introduced new foods as I could tolerate them. Often I found out the hard way and would dump. Fatty foods were not tolerated and sugar was easier than I thought. I have to be careful to not eat too much sugar as it doesn't make me as sick as I had hoped. Starches that swell such as rice and pasta are still hard to tolerate even a year out.

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

I walked regularly and learned to enjoy the activity.

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

Multi vitamins, b12, biotin, calcium

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 a problem with hair loss which ended when I was about 6 months out. I did dump when I over indulged. The unpleasant effect was a great deterant.

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

I have a hard time thinking of the worst part. Probably the tedious process of insurance approval. Everything else seemed easy.

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

I did not have after care support.

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

I have 6 small scars on my stomach. Very minimal. They have faded to the point they are difficult to see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After about 7 months of rapid weight loss I plateaued. Loss has been slow since then but progress is still happening.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed more attention from men which feels strange and sometimes invasive. I feel that I am more respected now. This may clearly be because I respect myself. Strangers seem to be friendlier to me and I feel less judgement.