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

My aunt had the surgery done a little while before me. She had some complications so at first I was scared to do it. I consulted my family doctor and she referred me to my surgeon. I then knew this was something I really wanted to do.

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

The only thing I can say is to be patient. I know that it is frustrating not knowing what they will say, but if it is meant to happen, it will.

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

My first visit was great. It really helped that I had a great doctor who would be doing my surgery. He explained everything to me in detail and didnt leave anything out. All I can suggest for getting the most out of the visit is to ask a lot of questions. If you have a question, dont hold back on asking it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got to the point when I couldnt handle the way I was anymore. I wasnt happy with my body at all and I needed to feel better about myself to have a better life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was all suggested from my surgeon. He took care of everything for me. It was wonderful.

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?

All I can say is not to worry about it. The more you worry the worse you are going to feel before you go in for the surgery and I tell you what, it isnt worth it. Of course with any surgery you have there can always be these risks. I guess in my case I was willing to take those risks to make my life better.

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 was very supportive before and after my surgery. Although now my mom thinks that I am too skinny. I think this is coming from her seeing me big all my life and now I am not so she isnt used to this yet. I dont know if she ever will be.

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

I think I was out of work for about 3 weeks total. They were ok with this. I was on FMLA so that helped.

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

My stay in the hopital was all in all very good. I was there for 2 days and then went to my parents to stay for a while. I would say the most important thing for me to bring would have been baby spoons so you dont take too big of bites.

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

No

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

No real big problems so far. My surgery was now over a month ago and I feel wonderful. I would never go back to the way it was. I am so much happier now.

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

The first few weeks at home were an adjustment that was dificult to make. I did ok though. It wasnt hard, it just was different than before.

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

I only had to go 30 miles

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.

At first, you just cant eat much at all and you are very limited to what you can eat. As time goes on, it does get better. I still have problems with really fatty foods when I eat them even 2 years after my surgery. I wouldnt change a thing though.

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

It gradually gets better. And of course as you lose the weight you have more energy to do more things. I tell you what, it is a great feeling to be able to run up stairs and not get out of breath.

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

I am on multi-vitamins every day and also vitamin b-12 every day

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 didnt really have many of these things happen to me. I did have some hair loss, but I dont even notice it anymore. I think it did finally stop.

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

Right after surgery when I got sick from the medicine

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

I have not been to a support group as of yet. The only real support I have found has been on the internet.

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

My scars arent so bad they are very small. I have five of them. And this is what I expected because this is what my surgeon advised me of.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The only thing I am working through now is getting over being so weak.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

i am not far enough into it for that to happen yet. UPDATE-People do treat you differently. I can walk down the street and more people look at me and they also talk to me. This didnt happen before. If they did look at me it was because I was big. It is alot different now.