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

At first I thought it was mutalation. I was a 12 stepper and the OA folks kept telling me I was looking for an easier, softer way. Not so. This is a medical procedure for a medical problem. The problem is not my behavior or lack of control.

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

I had absolutely no problem with Medica.

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

The first surgeon I saw was a jerk. I made up my mind to play along just to get the surgery. It took me a couple of months to realize he wasn't the only game in town. I found a different surgeon and all is well!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Much research! Nothing else has worked long term.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr recommendation and research. Talked to many people.

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 no fear, only hope for a healthy future.

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?

Husband is supportive. Friends are 50/50. I am focusing on those people who support me for now.

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

I ain't going there....LOL....They think it's a gall bladder surgery.

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

Like a 5* hotel. The med personel were top notch. I never had to ring my bell! They were always asking what I needed b4 I got there. Highly recommended. I told my husband - If I'm dying and you can't bet me to Abbott, just let me go. LOL

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

No surgery complications - some emotional, spiritual adjustments.

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

ANXIETY - oh yeah. Couldn't wait, once the decision was made to have surgery, wanted it NOW. Just had to white knuckle the wait.

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

Very sore, hard to get up from bed & chair. Recliner much easier than bed for sleeping and comfort. Sent husband to grocery for ONE can of soup. He bought SIX. Ended up giving them to the food shelf. One can was a weeks food. Stress this to significant others. We needed a dozen of everything b4 surgery, so to ask for one is out of character.

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

From suburb of Minneapolis into the city. Only about 20 miles. No problem. Worth the travel even though there is a bariatric surgeon at the local hospital.

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.

When I had surgery, soft food only for 3 wks. That has since changed. At 3 yrs out, I can eat anything. No dumping. No vomitting. However, I chose not to eat pasta and limit red meats. They don't seem to go just right. Pasta feels like a wad in my pouch and I can only eat a very small portion of red meat. It is not as satisfying as a portion of chicken or fish.

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

I'm a very busy person. Boredom is my bane. I pushed the envelope and paid for it. I went to the office 5 days after surgery and did other dumb stuff. I think my pain and recovery were longer than necessary. My advice.....take it easy.

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

I have a hard time remembering to take them however, I plan a daily multi vitamin for women over 50, calcium supplement and took biotin for hair loss the first 2 yrs.

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 can't say any of the above were a significant problem.

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

Learning to dress like a normal sized person.

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

OSSGMN is an extremely vital group. I was one of the original members. Now we have a web site, group email list, numerous social functions, weekly meetings all over the state, a spring conference, winter gala and much more. I think this is most important part of recovery because no matter what your age, learning to LIVE in the real world poses challenges. We have sooooo much fun.

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

Minimal. the lap scars are almost faded to where I have to point them out to folks or they just sort of blend in.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh boy. I had a year of experimenting with alcohol. If anyone wants info on that, please email me privately. Traded food addiction for alcoholism. Thru the grace of God and AA, I am now 7+ months sober. Obviously couldn't lose weight with all the liquid sugar and stayed around 200#. Since sober, I have lost another 45#. So....don't let anyone tell you that the weight loss stops after the first 12-18 months!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but I believe that this is a direct response to the way I treat them first. I no longer fear people, places and things. I no longer live in shame. I no longer have the expectation that I am unlovable.