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

I had a friend that was investigating it, so I started looking into it.

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

I really didn't have any problems with my insurance company. I had a high enough BMI and enough co-morbidities that they felt with all of my documentation that I was a good candidate. And that it would be less expensive in the long run if I had the surgery.

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

It was very informative, and I really enjoyed his friendly, caring demeanor. I highly suggest that folks go and listen to the introductory meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I really felt that I had no other viable options. I'd been diagnosed with PECOs and my endocrynologist suggested that this was my only good option.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked at how my eating habits would be affected post surgery. I knew I couldn't completely stop eating surgars, etc. So I couldn't do any of the bypass surgeries.

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 wasn't really afraid of the surgery or complications themselves...I was more afraid of what would happen if I didn't have the surgery.

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 mostly supportive. and they are VERY supportive now that the weight is coming off.

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

I didn't tell them specifically what surgery I was having...I just told them it was medically necessary stomach surgery. They went for that and gave me the time I needed.

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

It was LONG! I had great nurses and post surgical care though...so it was a pleasant stay.

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

None what-so-ever.

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 talked with friends to tell them of my fears...it helped alot.

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

I really didn't stay home very long. I sat at home for about a week. Then I went back to work part-time. I just couldn't sit still that long! I really didn't experience any pain...I didn't have to take any pain meds.

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

Only about 5 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.

I am still in the soft foods. Every time I try and add solids to my diet, I get sick for HOURS. I'm told this is not normal, and I may have to be scoped to see why I'm having this reaction.

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

I was very active after surgery. I started playing coed softball in week 4.

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

I was taking a protein shake and multi-vitamins after surgery...now I just take one multi-vitamin every 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?

The only side effect I've had is severe vomitting when trying to add solids back into the diet. I don't know how this will continue. But I have had a pretty remarkable recovery other than that. For the most part, I have just stuck with eating softer foods like potatoes, or soups, things like that. I will stay with those for another month and then try solids again. If I continue to have issues, then I will be scoped by my surgeon to see if there are any problems.

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

Just the vomitting so far. I'm sure this will get better with time.

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

I have been trying to find information on support groups in my area...I think it would be EMENSELY helpful. I haven't been able to find any info though, so my search continues. I'm lucky I have such good friends who let me cry on their shoulders when I get sick.

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

My scar is larger than expected because the surgeon felt the need to take my gall bladder out. I expected it to be 4" and it is now about 7" long. It is healing nicely though.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I thought I was plateuing, but wasn't...so I can't really address this yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

VERY differently from the opposite sex. I'm getting a lot more attention.