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

At first I didn't agree that the surgery was an option for obesity. I was still in my denial and stereotype! I thought I could do it by myself--though that never worked! I saw a friend of mine go through it and the changes that came into her life.

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

My experience--so far has been great. I was approved with the first letter. The main thing was to put my pride aside, get honest and have faith. I had lied about my weight problem and denied it for years---meeting with the doctor and doing the insurance paperwork was not the time to be too proud and stay in the denial.

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

I have only been through the initial consultation with the patient counselor and that was great. It was very informative and supportive. I was also reminded that they were going to help me help myself. I haven't actually met with the surgeon, but I look forward to it. Ask questions!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired!!!!! I had to surrender to the fact that I couldn't do it by myself and I needed help.

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 have some fear about dying from the surgery process itself--but if I don't do something now---I'm going to die anyway!!! I don't have many fears about complications--I'm willing to do what ever they tell me I need to do to rule out some of those complications.

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?

Most are supportive--but scared! They know I am determined and they stand behind me 100% I share my concerns with my husband and he shares his with me. Open communication has been a necessity.

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

I haven't told them yet and I don't know if I will. It seems like a private matter to me--but I haven't gotten to that point yet. I have told a few co-workers and they are supportive.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. I was ready to go home! Overall my stay was good--it was the first time I had to stay in a hospital longer than over night.

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

No--I didn't have any complications!!!

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

Oh boy---I was excited, scared, anxious etc... I have a good group of friends that were very supportive and I talked a lot as well as kept a journal.

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

I was an emotional mess--I cried for the first week, but it got better. I thought I had ruined my life, etc... I was told that this emotional rollercoster was normal and that it would pass.

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

I traveled approximately 1 1/2 hours. It really hasn't affected my aftercare.

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.

Well--the MD had me eating real food right off the bat--but there were some restricitons---at first it had to be very soft--no sugars and no fat. That will all depend on your doctor. There isn't much I can't eat, but there is stuff I shouldn't eat--it is a life style change and today I choose to eat healthy.

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

increased over time. Right after surgery the doctor wanted me to move and walk. Today I am very active

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

I take a multivitamin and calcium and B12. I also take a vitamin/mineral suppliment for hair and skin

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?

hair loss was the biggest---I was devistated, but I do have a lot of hair so it wasn't as bad as it could be. I talked about it and wrote in my journal. It lasted until approximately 6 months and has slowed down a lot

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

the hair loss :-)

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

my doctor has a weekly support group and the office staff are always available. i haven't been to the support group due to the distance but the staff has been wonderful

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

its a scar! I keep vit e and lavender on it and also try other moisturizers

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i am currently on a plateau between 6 and 9 months--I have lost very little--but hear it gets better

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes!