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

I had been reading about it for years. First impression.. it was a scary thought.

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

Fortunately, I had no problems with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield

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

Exciting. I had heard so much about him. You need to go prepared. Have questions written down, otherwise as you walk out the door it will dawn on you, you didn't ask something really important. This is a serious operation. Research has to be done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I woke up and smelled the coffee. I wasn't getting any younger, I was 48, and I couldn't hardly breathe when walking.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon showed me video's of both surgeries. My mind was pretty well set when I walked into the office anyway. I had done alot of research.

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?

This will sound hokey, but I wasn't really scared. Other than really bad arthritis in the knees and the beginning of asthma, I didn't have other health issues, other than my weight. I am only 5ft. tall and was weighing in at close to 300#

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 husband at the time was extremely scared for me. I told my sister I was having the operation (just in case) but not my mother who was a retired RN. Never got to tell Mom. A year after the operation I was ready to tell her. But she had a stroke and I never got to. My sister has been very supportive. My husband is now my ex husband if that tells you anything. His jealousness cost the marriage of almost 20 yrs.

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

He was wonderful. I told him everthing. I maintain honesty to be the best policy in a situation like this

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

I was there for four days. The best things to bring with you are a sense of humor and a positive attitude.

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

No complications thank god.

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 just wanted it to be over with. The support I received from my friends and from the chats on obesity,com were my rocks.

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

A total period of readjustment. Learning about nutrition and how much and when to eat.

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

A quick trip up I65 to Louisville, KY 35 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.

Unfortunately, even after 5 years, I do not seem to be able to digest steak. Not even filet mignon. Its just to dense. Sometimes, not everytime, I have trouble keeping Swordfish down. Also if something is to fatty or greasy I have learned that is a no-no. Other than that, I don't seem to have any problems.

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

So going at first. But the more I was able to walk the better it got.

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

Flintstone chewable vitamins and protein drinks.

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 did not have any adverse side effects caused by the surgery. If I wait to long between meals and I actually get really hungry, old habits creep back. I eat to fast, don't chew the food enough and end up vomiting. I really try to police myself so this doesn't happen now.

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

When the intern came into my hospital room at 3a.m. to remove the drainage tube.

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

For about the first year I participated in a support program. It was very helpful.

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

I was done laproscopic. I have 6 scars that are less than 3/4''.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I continued to steadily lose the pounds for 2 years. Then I slowed down. And now for the last 2 I have been maintaining the same weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Fat people really are disciminated against wether they want to realize it or not. I had been overweight all my life. When I was younger and going to job interviews, I know that there were times when I was very qualified for the job, but because of my weight, didn't get the job.