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

I knew of gastric bypass and as a nurse had seen a few patients that had been successful. I was actually afraid of the risks associated with it, and didn't feel like it was an option for me. I had a friend that had "stomach stapling" done in the 90's, and she never lost all of her weight and eventually gained back alot of what she had lost. This made me even more unsure that WLS would work.

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

I had a total exclusion with my insurance, so that was not even an option for me. I was self-employed and had a very young family. I had to find a way to obtain and self-pay for the surgery. This lead me to my journey abroad for surgery. I had only had surgery once, and that was an emergency C-section, so I was also adamant about finding the most experienced surgeon at a price that I could afford without putting my family's welfare in jeopardy.

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

It was very comforting, and he answered all my questions. Actually I had done so much research that I didn't have many, but my family had a few. Do your research, talk to doctor with a list of questions, talk with other patients,look at doctor's or program's outcomes and success rates.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was not hard for me. I was desperate to get my life and health back. I did alot of research, and then it was so easy to make. I wanted to live long enough to see my kids grow up and hopefully one day grandkids.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time it was basically 2 procedures, gastric bypass and Lapband. It was the safest, least invasive, and adjustable. I knew that it could be reversed if needed. I did not have to lose alot of weight in a short period of time due to help issues. So I looked at the pros and cons and decided what was best for me. I suggest patients always look at the same, and ultimately pick the one that is best for them.

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 really didn't have any. I had done my research and knew the risks were minimal, no more than any other surgery and less than many.

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 supportive and wanted me to be happy and healthy.

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

I was self-employeed at the time, so I didn't have to worry so much about that. I had surgery on Thursday, traveled home 6 hours on Sat, and was back at the office by Monday.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Back then they did not have them.

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

Was there less than 24 hrs. Comfortable clothes and shoes, need to get up and walk soon after surgery.

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

My port flipped between the time of surgery and my first fill which was 5 weeks. Had to have port restitched.

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 was excited but anxious as well. I was worried that I had gone to drastic measures and spent a lot of money and that I would not be successful.

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

It's an adjustment period. Have to be a little selfish and figure out what and how to make things work for YOU!

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

8 hours I had to make the sacrifice to travel back to surgeon several times and to take the initiative to see to getting the support I needed.

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.

Followed the diet guidelines and stages of eating very closely. I had to learn to listen to my body in a way I never had before. There were days that I had difficulty eating almost anything and days that I did not have as much restriction. I rarely eat bread or pasta, and have to eat slowly and chew extremely well.

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

I did take it easy for a few weeks and did not lift for about a month.

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

Protein drinks Liquid vitamins

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?

Nausea and vomiting if I ate too fast, too much or tried those things that do not work well with the band.

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

Fear of failure

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

Did not have any support groups so joined alot of online support groups.

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

Barely visible

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seemed to plateau about every 10-20 lbs and sometimes for extended periods of time. These were extremely frustrating and I had to fight the feelings of failure and keep working my tool. It took me 3 years to lose the last 15 lbs, but I was so excited about the amount that I had already lost in the first year, that I knew I could be happy at that healthier weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I am no longer invisible and people have a lot more respect for me. Alot of this I believe has to do with how we feel about ourselves and people follow that lead