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

I mentioned before that I found them on the internet. I first thought it was crazy. So I checked into other surgical options, like lipo suction, and even saw another surgeon. It was all very scary to even think about such a life change.

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

I was very fortunate to have a surgical staff to guide me through this process. I was also fortunate to have Unitedhealthcare that was smart enough to know how much money they would save if I was 100 lbs lighter and that much healthier.

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

My first visit to the surgeon was very informational because they shipped me off to a support group first and then I met the surgeon. I was able to see and hear other stories and get lots of info before I started the process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just wanted to feel healthy or I wanted to be dead. Life just was not worth living.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed a permenant solution and would not bother with anything that could quite possibly be temporary. This was my last ditch effort...no matter how hard.

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 was afraid of living the way I was more than chancing death. The complications were just part of the deal. There is a very good chance that there will be no complications but life is a Chance. I was very sick for over a year and I would do this all over again in a Heartbeat to be given this again!!!

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?

I kept it quiet from everyone except my husband. My outside family members were not going to support me and it just was not ther business. They did not have to live with the pain I did. Now that I look like a million dollars they are very supportive. That is why you need to hang around supportive people and that is not always going to be the closest people to you at the time.

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

I did not tell my work of the details...I told them as little as possible. I was out of work for 3 months. They and EVERY other person that has seen me since cannot believe the wonderful change in me. They all want to line up for this surgury....but as we know...this is not for everyone.

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

I had five very tough days in the hospital. I just needed pain killers and an I.V. The most important thing to bring was my pillow!

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

I had alot of drainage from the incision...the doctors office guided me through that. I also needed some emotional support after 2 months and the office gave me names and numbers of patients that had been through similar experiences. That got me through..

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 got on the internet and looked for others and was able to find support. I also stayed real close to the support groups.

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

I was extemely weak and felt awful. It was important for me to talk with other patients on the phone that had experienced the same thing. I had one lady that I couldn't reach, so her husband talked to me and was very supportive.

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

About 3 miles....I was lucky.

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.

I had a terrible time getting back on food. I just tried to stick with soda crackers, applesause, dry toast. It took months but I tried to eat whatever i felt like. My body seemed to crave all the good things. I still crave nutritional foods like fruit and veggies and try to stay low on red meats, they seem to hard to digest.

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

I have a good friend that has had similar surgury and she has helped with all sorts of questions. My Surgeon and staff have always been there and I have always felt comfortable to ask anything. It is my busy schedule that prevents me from keeping up with the support group. This site is a wonderful resource that I can access 24-7....Thanks

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

My first scar was pretty big and noticeable..but that never bothered me at all. After the revision, the scar is almost invisable. I still never cared what it looked like...I just wanted good health back.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had not had any plateau untill the revision after 15 months. Two months after I had stayed at 116-118 for 2 months and have just now been able to gain another 8-10 lbs with protein drinks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely...Everybody is much nicer and kinder now than when I was heavy. How sad, because that is when you NEED the kindness and understanding and thoughtfulness.