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

I first learned about bariatric surgery from a counselor that I had sought for eating disorders. First impressions? No way! Too drastic! But that was before I bothered to research it and to discover how many lives it has changed for the better.

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

Trigon was very easy regarding approval. I believe that they issued the approval letter within 24 hours of receiving the paperwork from my doctor.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was a group informational meeting that was of no cost to any of the participants. He talks for about 2 hours about everything regarding this procedure - how it is done, who is a candidate, what can go wrong, and what to expect. I felt very comfortable with him as my surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be healthier.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted less recovery time and minimal scarring.

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 think that you have to "weigh" the risks versus the benefits. Things can go wrong for some, but for most, this is a very beneficial and complication-free procedure. I can honestly say that I am 7 weeks out and have not had ANY problems.

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 was very fortunate. My husband and ALMOST everyone in my family was very supportive and excited for me. Some people who didn't understand the beauty of medical advancements were against it and though I was setting myself up to die on the operating table, but now see how I am losing and how much healthier I am becoming.

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

I told my supervisor of my upcoming surgery once I knew my surgery date. He didn't ask me any questions and didn't show any negative thoughts. My department sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers while I was in the hospital. I was out of work for 6 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was fairly comfortable, but not as great as being at home (minus the exception that I can't get morphine at home!). The staff was very understanding and the hospital had a gastric bypass ward, so I felt they were very aware of individual needs. I was there from Wednesday until Friday, so only about 48 hours total. The most important thing that I found that I had brought was oversized panties (to avoid pressure on my incisions) and chapstick (because for some reason, your lips are very dry after surgery).

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?

My first response was excitement. This was something that I wanted so badly and could not wait for my surgical date to get here. However, I did have my moments. Not about the surgery though, but about the care my daughter would be receiving while I was in the hospital. She's only four and has never spent a night away from me, so that was my biggest worry.

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

The first week was full of emotion. I had to accept the fact that I didn't have the freedom of grabbing what I wanted to grab out of the pantry. The head hunger was at its peak that first week, then quickly tapered off. I was extremely tired and needed frequent naps throughout the day for the first couple of weeks. Walking helped my energy level as well as raised my spirits. I think that having something to do is important to someone just starting out.

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

Less than 10 miles, but still felt every bump in the road on the way home!

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.

For the first two weeks, I was on clear liquids (broth, jello, tea, etc.) Then, the 3rd week, I could have pureed foods and mashed potatoes. After the fourth week, I was allowed to have soggy cereal, oatmeal, tuna salad, coffee, saltines, and flaky, moist fish. At six weeks, I could attempt anything except soft breads and red meats (those may never be a part of my regular foods again because they are so hard to digest). Overall, I didn't have any problems with these, except for pasta. Pasta got "stuck" and it hurt. I recommend overcooking pasta before trying it for the first time.

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

I walked short distances the first two weeks. After, I began swimming, which felt really good. I could not stand to do any physical activity for a long period of time until about 3 or 4 weeks out.

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

2 multi-vitamins, 1 vitamin A&D, 1 vitamin B-12, and Benefiber (for regularity) per 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?

Had only slight nausea when I caught a cold shortly after surgery. The extra drainage from my sinuses filled my new stomach causing me to feel sick. Luckily, with some Dimetapp, it soon dried up.

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

The gas pain on my second day in the hospital!

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

My surgeon recommends a group that meets monthly at the hospital. As of right now, I am not interested in attending, but I am comforted by knowing it is there for me should my feelings change.

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

I have seven little holes. I expected only 5 or 6, but I can live with this, too!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first plateau was at 3 weeks. It lasted about one week, but I dropped really fast after that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

While at a cookout over the weekend, my husband and I were sharing a plate since I can only eat a few bites and the plates were huge. Someone asked us why we were sharing a plate and I mentioned my surgery. All of a sudden, everyone wanted to ask me about it. It was like I was some sort of science project!