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

A few years ago, a doctor suggested gastric bypass. I researched it and talked to people who would know and decided it was far too dangerous for me since I had a small daughter to raise. Then, recently, I heard a news story about lap band surgery and decided to learn more about it. I researched and from what I could see, it was perfect for my situation. I spoke with my doctor and decided to move ahead with things. When I finally had that discussion with my surgeon, we changed to the gastric bypass.

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

My insurance ordeal was rather cut and dried. Everything was submitted and we simply had to wait. I had heard from others that the wait was at least 6 months, so I prepared myself for that. In my case, it turned out to be just over 5 months.

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

Be prepared with any and all questions that occur to you. You are going to want to know all you can about the procedure as well as what to expect after. My interview with my surgeon went very well. I brought along my daughter in case I didn't think of everything to ask or discuss and it was the best idea. My surgeon was thorough and extremely helpful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was no longer able to do any of the things I enjoyed. I have children and grandchildren and I wanted to enjoy life with them. I wanted my own life back and I was tired of being looked at and treated as though I were some grotesque oddity from another planet by those who should know better. I just wanted to be healthy again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spent a lot of time researching and, at first, decided on lap band surgery..simply out of fear. But after discussing it with my surgeon, it was clear that, for me, the gastric bypass was the right choice. I could never have made the choice alone.. it took me, my children, friends, family and my surgeon to reach the right choice.

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 had the normal fears that, I believe, anyone has when going into surgery of any kind. I decided to be practical about it and discuss necessities with my family beforehand. I knew in my heart, however, that everything would be fine. The key is to go into this with a positive attitude. My faith is what ultimately carried me through.

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 and friends have been extremely supportive of my decision, both before and since. Everyone offered their prayers and encouragement every step of the way. I am deeply touched by the outpouring..even from people I didn't really know.

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

My employer offered words of support, but her true concern was for her business, not for me. When I needed to hear positive things, she shared negative stories about the surgery. Her being a nurse, she should have known better.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I didn't really know what to expect but my overall reaction was very pleasant. I think it was ultimately encouraging to be in a room with so many other people who felt as I did and wanted the same things as I did. We were supportive of one another and that made all the difference. I was so very happy to have attended for that reason.

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

I spent two night in the hospital and, overall, it was a good stay. Every single person I was in contact with .. from the surgeon to the nurses and even housekeeping, were so very helpful and supportive. I could not have asked for better. It was important to have my literature on the procedure and what would come after so that I could read it again, but also to have something along to occupy my time so that I didn't worry needlessly.

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

There were no complications at all from my surgery.

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 elated and then became more nervous as the date drew nearer. I worked to keep my sights set on the end goal. I also had friends and family who were very helpful there as well. I crochet a great deal and I concentrated on that to keep my mind from wandering into areas it shouldn't.

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

I have been home just a few days now and you must be prepared for the recovery. The surgery is an invasion of your body and you must recover from that. The key is to follow ALL directions exactly for the care of yourself and also in the area of your nourishment. It is vital to keep records so you can remember everything. You will also have times when you question various parts of the process, but just remember why you undertook this process in the first place.

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

I live approximately 2 hours from the hospital..in the next state, so it was a long drive when leaving the hospital. I have a family member who has gone with me to each and every appointment and has always driven. We always made it an enjoyable outing. For the aftercare, we do the same. Always look for the positive.

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.

In the hospital, I was on the clear liquids. I didn't have any sort of appetite so I just sipped at what they told me to sip. Once going home, I was on the full liquid, which included jello and broth. I found this to be boring but adequate. I still had no appetite to speak of, so I simply reminded myself to have something at the right time. After my first post-op appt, I was moved up to the pureed diet. This, so far, has been the most difficult. Nothing tastes very good except jello, but I eat what I must. I have had to take the time to come to terms with the fact that there are some foods I will never eat again, such as fried chicken, popcorn, bacon, and my daughter's home-made fudge. When that thought begins to bother me, I remind myself of my ultimate goals and that I can still have my very favorite food, which is chicken.

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

In the short days since my surgery, I have had limited activity because of the healing process. For the first week, I had a drainage tube out the right side of my stomach which has now been removed. There is still some pain, but I do notice an improvement each day. I do try and walk about my house as much as I can also. When the weather finally becomes more reasonable [not so hot] I intend to begin my walks outside.

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

I am taking a multivitamin, B12 and Calcium each day..although to this point I am having trouble with the calcium since the pills are rather large. I will work that out in time.

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?

At this point {one week after surgery} I have noticed no significant side effects. I have had no nausea at all, no dumping and no problems sleeping.

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

Two things, the normal pain following surgery and the extremely limited diet for the first 4 to 6 weeks. That is the difficult part for me.

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

I haven't yet attended the support group, but do intend to begin after a few weeks. In the meantime, I have groups online that I interact with and several acquaintances who have had this surgery. Their input has been very helpful.

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

My surgery was laporascopic so there are half a dozen very small slits which will probably leave small scars. It is just as I expected and doesn't concern me one way or the other. Several small scars seem a very small price to pay in order to have my life back.