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

I read about it somewhere years ago and have often thought about it- then the web has been my guide

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

No insurance. Went at it on my own in Thailand where it is cheaper than the US and Australia

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

It was good and encouraging and a relief. I only met him the night before suurgery as was managed till then by a US doctor who "runs the business side" . I found this gentleman a real struggle but was so determined to have the surgery I just ignored it all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Pains in my chest, icreasing blood pressure, possibility that I would not be able to work in my chosen field any more...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Looked at lap banding but heard so many negatives. Main stumbling block was having to have it monitored all the time when my lifestyle has me living on a boat away from medical support. RNY was called the gold standard, no turning back - ultimate surgery and I thought I was worth the best !

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?

Nothing about dying - doctors today know what they are doing. The surgery via laparascope is really no biggie - I have had eardrum transplant and a radical hysterectomy - these were FAR worse. I liken the surgery with that of having my appendix out....I was more worried about the afters - like not being able to getenough nutrition and hydration.

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

3 nights 4 days. Loose nighties and large underpants not tight on your tummy. Loose clothing to wear home. Comfortable slippers as you have to walk walk walk after surgery. If you are having surgery overseas then I suggest you bring your vitamins/callcium etc as not possible to get chewable vits etc in 3rd world countries.

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

None at all - I have been very lucky.

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

Scared and lonely as I don't have anyone to answer the myriad of questions that arise each day as things change etc during the healing process. This website has helped my feelings enormously.

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

Take it slowly. Don't rush back to work. Be kind on yourself. Take naps. I felt weak a lot but now I can eat more and am feeling stronger.

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

I live in Thaialnd and the suurgery is inexpensive and carried out by good surgeons. But be prepared for zero aftercare. I saw the surgeon the day after the surgery and then again 1 week later. My next appointment is 3 months after the op. Get a doctor's support when you go home and join community supoort programs and OH.com

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

Tiny little nicks - 1 is about 1/4", 5 about 1/2" and 1 is 1" where I had a drain. No I expected bigger scarring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost most weight i the first 2 weeks. Since then it has been very slow going only 2-3lbs lost each week. This last week only 1 lb. This is the biggest struggle of the whole journey. It is very depressing to go through so much and lose so slowly even though I am doing everything by the book and excercising.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really - my boss gives me sideways looks to make sure I am okay but eevryone else I work with don;t really care. I get the occassonal query as to how I am doing, ocassionally people say yes can see you are losing weight but it is early days. My 3 sisters have been fabulous emailing from all over the world. My eldest sister is on a breast cancer journey and will have surgery next week but writes to me mostly about how I am doing.