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

My primary care doctor suggested it first. I went to see him about another medical problem, and nearly fainted when I stepped on the scales. He told me that basically all my health problems stem from my weight problem. My first thought about bariatric surgery was "Well my insurance will NEVER approve payment." But most of all, I wasn't sure if I wanted to. It's such a drastic step, not to mention life-altering!

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

Insurance approval is a nightmare. You have to be able to handle rejection in some cases. My first try was not approved. I appealed it all the way to the State Board of Insurance. My HMO was very insensitive and uncaring. I gave them exactly what they asked for, and they still would not approve me. Fortunately, my husband had just started a new job and his PPO approved me with no problem. I'm still waiting on a surgery date.

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

My surgeon scheduled several people at one time (at the same time). He brought out a white board and held a short seminar in the waiting room. I went with a list of questions, but he answered every one of them before I had a chance to even ask them. I walked away even more convinced that I was doing the right thing.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing the before and after pictures of people who have had it done. Hearing their stories of their successes, and the fact that I don't want to die. I want to watch my grandson grow up and share in the joys of my family. I have a very loving family that I helped create. I want to enjoy life as long as I can.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I think everybody knows themselves enough that if given all the facts, they can determine which method will help them be successful in the battle against obesity or not. My surgeon explained the positives and negatives of both procedures. It didn't take long after that to decide that the VBG is suited to me.

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?

Any surgery is risky. The way I look at it is that if I continue to live obese, I am dying a slow and painful death. I am miserable the way I am now. If I was to die having the surgery, at least I died trying to do something about it and I would still be out of the misery I have to live with, and I wouldn't have to burden my family with my condition any longer. I am concerned about complications and pain, but that is something I live with every day the way I am. Nevertheless, I know in my heart, that God didn't bring me this far just to rip the rug out from under me. I know this is right for me and that God is with me every step of the way.

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 has been extremely supportive. Most of my friends are supportive, but some are skeptical. Many believe that I will just gain the weight back and that I will not change my eating habits. Some are worried that I will become too thin. I think that once I lose the weight, a few of my obese friends will be jealous. Many believe that the step is too drastic. Some say I'm taking the easy way out. I don't consider this to be easy. I will let you know if it was easy after my surgery is done.

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

My boss is very supportive. Without going into a great deal of detail, I explained to him that I have been battling my weight for over 20 years and that my PCP has recommened weight-loss surgery. I told him that my decision to have the surgery is based on the numerous health problems I have had and the fears I have of worse health-related issues down the road. He basically just said that I needed to keep him informed of any dates that I will be out of work.

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

My hospital stay was great. I hated having to have breathing treatments four times per day, but I know it was necessary to prevent pneumonia. I was there three days. There was one nurse and one nurses tech that I didn't like. All the others did such a great job. They treated me with such respect and kindness. I felt like a queen. Definitely bring some Carmex. The NG tube and all the anesthesia really dries out your mouth. My lips had sores from trying to lick them with a dry tongue. My nurse told me that the petroleum jelly in Chapstick was not a good mix with my meds, and that Carmex would be better.

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

I ran a low grade fever. They told me the fever was coming from my lungs. They made me do breathing treatments four times per day and use a breathing exerciser every two hours (later bumped it up to every hour). By the third day, my fever was normal.

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 so excited. I joined the VBG Group in Yahoo so I could learn as much as I could. You really need to become a expert and prepare yourself as much as possible. I journaled my feelings to try and relieve the anxiety. I kept a calendar and marked off the days. The waiting was so hard. I never want to go through that again, and I'm glad it all behind me.

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

It's difficult to sleep and I wanted to sleep all the time. You really need a hospital bed or a recliner. My incision itched all the time, but if I touched it, it would sting. I had to wait two weeks to get the staples removed. I tried to walk as much as I could, but I really felt weak and nauseated. I wasn't hungry at all, except "head-hunger." That's where you see something you have always loved to eat, but know you can't have it so you grieve the loss a little. My doctor had me on a full liquid diet for six weeks. He wanted me drinking 2 oz of something every hour, but I just couldn't do it.

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

The hospital and doctor's office is only about 10 miles away. But the ride home from the hospital was very bumpy and difficult. It felt like my insides were sloshing around. It made me queezy.

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 so far, I've only been able to have liquids, and I just about can't stomach them. I'll have to check back on this.

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

I started out trying to walk for five minutes every hour, but had to cut it back to five minutes 3-4 times per day. I'll keep you posted on this.

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

I've been taking Centrum liquid vitamins. The taste isn't the greatest, but not too bad. Tastes just like those infant vitamin drops I used to give my kids.

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 only vomited once, and that was right after the surgery. It actually felt good to get that out. It has been very difficult to sleep. My husband is going to rent me a recliner. Laying flat gives me a headache and makes me nausious.

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

I guess I would say the first walk I took the day after surgery. I felt like my insides were going to spill out. I was very sore for several days after. I also hated those breathing treatments.

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

I joined the VBG Group in Yahoo. They have been wonderful and have given me loads of great info. It's extremely important to have somebody who has gone through this to listen to you and give you advice.

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

My scar is only about 5 inches in length. It's not at all like I expected. I thought it would be much longer. Doctor did a great job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've been stuck at a 65 lb loss for about four months now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I've had some great friends.