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

My first impression was that surgery was for lost causes,last ditch desperate attempts, and people much fatter than I am. I was still telling myself I would lose it on my own...anyday now I'll start. I'm not that bad (yeah right!) I flat out stopped looking in mirrors that showed more than my face. I was living in fantasy land. The commercials for bariatric surgery sounded too good to be true. It's been a slow, eye opening, learning experience to get to the point where I think this is the answer for me. The internet is full of great resources and wonderful people willing to share and teach and support.

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

I had no problems with insurance, but from what I've seen...don't take no for an answer. Insurance companies need to realize that they are SAVING money down the road, besides saving and improving lives.

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

Short and to the point. Since I'd done so much research I really didn't have alot of questions, but I know if I did they would have been answered. Do your homework, write down what you want to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to have a normal life. The kind I'm sure most thin/normal size people take for granted.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I'm not real good with blood and guts stuff. I've had lap surgery before and it went well. The type of surgery is the most up to date approach with less chance of complications.

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?

Of course I have fears. Life is full of fears and risks. I've seen what can happen because of obesity, the medical complications, the pain, the day to day stuff. I had to weigh out the pros and cons. The case for surgery is just too strong.

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 waited quite a while before telling anyone anything. My husband is worried about me. The rest of the family has been somewhat supportive. My sister is and always will be my best support. My last surgery it was less than a week before I was back doing all the housework,laundry etc. Somehow I doubt this time will be any different.

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

I had only requested time off from work for surgery without giving specifics, but my boss managed to say something to a co-worker who in turn asked me flat out in front of several people what I was having surgery for (she needs a lesson in manners!!!) I'm sure by now the gossip mill has spread the news to everyone in the place. At first it bothered me, now I don't care who knows.

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

I was in the hospital two days. The staff was terrific. The bed hurt my back. I ended up sleeping in a recliner they dragged in for me. Many others suggested bringing your own pillows, but I don't think that would have made any difference to me.

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

No complications so far except for itchy skin around the surgery sites. It's from the tape. Not sure what to do short of cortizone cream. I have sensitive skin anyway. Being menopausal has been awful. Hot flashes during the night at the hospital were the pits and made everything feel worse than it would have. Not a surgery complication but still managed to complicate things :-(

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've felt a range of emotions from elation (YES I'm finally going to do this!) to fear (WHAT THE HELL DO I THINK I"M DOING???) I just keep talking to the people I know who have already had surgery, they have been great support.

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

I've only been home a day and a half...so far so good. Getting a shower was the highlight of the day today. Getting in enough liquids is hard. I'm not used to such small amounts so very often. I'm learning.

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

I only live a couple miles from the 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.

My doctor's orders..clear liquids two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. So...I'm really sick of fruit flavored anything. Crushing pills to take tastes awful!

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

I'm walking but taking it easy. I have three big dogs that still need cared for and they could care less if I've had surgery as long as they get fed LOL.

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

I will be required to take iron, B12, multi-vitamins, extra protein, and calcium for the rest of my life.

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'm answering this at two months out. I'm still testing some limits and have experienced the dreaded dumping along with a trip to the ER at one week out because I tried to take my pills whole and one got stuck. Oh did that hurt! Sometimes when I eat I get so tired and sick I have to lay down. I've grieved some foods that just don't taste the same anymore.

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

This JP drain grosses me out.

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

Actually my doctor offers a support group for pre and post ops. My support started at the very first meeting months ago and I don't have surgery for a few weeks yet. I feel like I've known some of these women forever because we share a common bond both because of the surgery and because we've dealt with the weight issue forever. I can't imagine going through this without their support. We have alot of fun together. We've met several times just to gab and share stories aside from the scheduled support meetings.

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

They are almost completely gone. I'd had lap gall bladder surgery so I knew what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well....since I expect the scale to drop ten pounds everyday....I a;ways think I'm on a plateau. It happens. To everyone. I have to remind myself of that fact. When the scale sits or jumps a bit (I weigh different times of the day) my first thought is ok it's all over for me..I'm probably going to start gaining it all back now. I have to reassure myself that I'm still eating like I should and I won't gain it back. Years of mind tapes are hard to shut up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A few. But nothing bad :-)