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

My sister had a similar surgery about 20 years ago. Needless to say, it is not the same surgery that is performed today. My primary physician suggested it to me as an option but at the time I was not ready to make that kind of commitment. Afraid of it I guess. After much research and soul searcing I decided to go for it. Once I made that decision, nothing could hold me back.

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

Since I was approved so quickly I do not have much advice here. I can tell you not to give up and to fight for what you want. Many others have.

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

Very pleasant and informative. I saw him with another candidate since he was running behind. That was good because our questions helped each other. You will probably be nervous so make yourself a list of topics you want to be addressed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mother is bedridden at 73. She was inactive after she quit working and now she cannot do anything. I did not want to be like that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor made that 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 did not let myself think about the bad things. I just had to have faith that I had made the right decision. If you do the research, and look for a competent surgeon you will be ok. I believe that you need to go in cool, calm and collected so to speak. You do much better that if you are stressed out. And BY ALL MEANS, follow your surgeons instructions.

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?

Very supportive. I kept my decision within a relatively small group until after the surgery and I was ready to reveal it. Looking back, I probably would not worry about it. I did not want to deal with any negative feedback from others.

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

Only that I had to have surgery. I was out 2 months. When I returned to work, I told her that I had had the surgery. She was supportive and understand my position. You work for your employer. You do not have to tell them your every move. Some things are yours alone.

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

I did not need much. I took a gown, robe and house slippers. Of course, toothbrush and paste, and brush and comb. I wore a gown home so I did not need to take any clothes. The stay was 5 days. They were short staffed and that made for some problems. Thankfully my husband was there to pitch in. One thing for sure. If you are not getting the attention that you should have, let them know. Adter all, you are paying for that service.

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

Have not really had 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?

The first 2 weeks I wondered how I could have done this. It was hard. But after that, I began to get accustomed to my program and eventually all was well. I had a lot of support from my husband. That was so very important. Believe it or not, 4 weeks out, we had a terrible ice storm and lost our power for 3 days!!!! We had to cook cans of soup on the fireplace and make tons of hot tea to keep from freezing. What an experience. If I can do it, anyone can!!!

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

Adjusting to your new eating habits. Withdrawing from food addiction. You will probably be a little depressed about this. Some confusion as to whether or not you are eating too much or too little or the right stuff. Some discomfort when trying to sleep flat....I slept in a recliner for several weeks. Just give yourself a little time to adjust and don't hesitate to call your surgeons office if you have any doubts about anything.

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

Just around the block.

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.

Started on liquids. Thn to soft foods. This was over about a 6 week period. Ate a lot of popsicles!!!! You have to get your fluids in and your protein. It is sort of a guessing game for awhile. At 8 weeks, I started on soft meats and toasted breads. Raw veggies cames soon after. Now I eat anything I want. I do watch the sugar grams even though I find that I am one of those people who tolerate suger very well after surgery. Luckily I am not a sweets freak!!!

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

Due to confinement due to extremely bad weather, my level for a couple of months was limited to walking inside the house. As the weather permitted, I became more active. At 3 months, I was painting our new house and packing to move.

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

I take a prenatal once a day. 2 calcium tablets, 1 vitamin e. That is all.

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 have had little nausea or vomiting. No dumping. Some sleep disturbance....days and nites mixed up....the first 6 weeks or so but that leveled out. Some hair loss but I was just patient and it soon let up. Thought I was going to be bald for a awhile!!!!!

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

The day before the surgery. My nerves were shot.

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

The only aftercare support that I have is my surgeon's staff, and a couple of websites that I am a member of. This is extremely important. Seek out and find support.

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

Not too bad. It is still healing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had at least 3 plateaus since my surgery. One month out for about a week, another week at about 4 months, and I just came off one that lasted a month. That one was tough!!!! I am now at nine months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no. My friends and family don't really treat me any different. They are proud for me. Stangers give me a double take sometimes and that makes me feel good. I know that I am looking good so that does not bother me!!!!!:):):):):):):