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

On a television commercial. I thought it was too good to be true, or even if it was the answer, I would never be fortunate enough to have it.

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

Bariatic Treatment Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan worked right with me and made sure I had absolutely everything covered before I submitted to Blue Cross so they would have no reason to deny me. It took a total of 8 months. My advice is take your time, don't rush, and give it plenty of thought and consideration.

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

I was afraid that he would find a reason why I shouldn't have it done. I downplayed any complications of my obesity because of shame, but insurance needed to hear that my joints ached, I became breathless, my blood pressure was high, any other problems that might pertain to my obesity.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew how hard I had tried in the past to loose the weight. There were no options left. This was my last chance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon's recomendation.

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 had some fear, especially since it was an elective surgery, but I had had enough surgeries in the past to know that my body rebounds and heals quickly.

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?

They were worried, and had a hard time understanding why I would do something so drastic. I feel I handled it well, respectful to them, but telling them that I had to do it for myself. They were very supportive after surgery. I think it helped that I took time to consider and get approval, and didn't rush into it. I researched and found as much information as possible, even though I wasn't on the internet at the time.

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

The hospital stay was okay. The room was extremely small, with 3 of us in it. With the price that the Bariatric Treatment Center charges, I expected something a little better, especially since I saw available beds in other rooms. I stayed 3 days and convinced the doctor I would be more comfortable at home. Bring an extra pillow, and something very pretty (ladies!) and comfortable to wear home, and slippers. I always bring something light to read.

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

No complications.

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

Felt very excited. I shopped for plenty of acceptable food for the weeks ahead, and cooked and frooze meals for my husband. I looked up low fat and sugar free recipes. I still do, and enjoy cooking more than ever!

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

I felt tired, but I also felt very hungry during the weeks that I was on a liquid diet. It's a good time to be kind to yourself and kick back. Don't expect very much from yourself the first couple of weeks.

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

About 2 hours. I felt kind of forgotten. I think there should have been more aftercare, even some phone calls to see how I was doing, and checking to see if I was doing the right things.

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.

Clear liquids for 2 weeks, full liquids for 2 weeks, pureed foods for 2 or 3 weeks; then slowly start a regualr diet. Every step was kind of scarey and quite an adventure. My stomach rebelled quite a bit a first, but gradually over maybe 6 months, it got much better. I still cannot tolerate sugar. fter 2 years I experienced the worst case of dumping just 2 days ago. I have to be very careful with grapes and cherries too. I have to watch the fat grams carefully too.

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

Not much activity at first for maybe 6-8 weeks. I didn't notice a real surge in my enery level for 3 to 6 months. But from then till now, I still am surprized at how much energy I have.

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

2 multiple plus herb daily; B-12 sublingual daily.Soy protein in a shake daily.

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

Just started attending a support group meeting here at our local hospital. I think it is very helpful and important. It keeps you focused, and provides any answers to your questions. It gives me a chance to be helpful to others too, and makes me expect more out of myself.

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

A fine pink line from breast bone to naval. Just what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I would always loose a substancial amount of weight, and then hold steady for 2-4 weeks, at which time it seemed everyone would notice the weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Those who know me well are very proud and supportive. Others seem to want to be my friend all of a sudden. And others who never even acknowledged my existance are suddenly especially attentive.