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

I've heard about it, but didn't investigate untill my internist told me it was time for drastic measures. He was right. I feel it's my only way to lose the weight.

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

It was easy, the doctor's office put it in and it was approved.

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

I already knew about the surgery from online support groups. All I needed to learn that I have to have the open procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

If I don't, I will die young.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By learning about it.

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 know there's a chance I may die, but I will die young if I don't, and the quality of my life isn't good.I will get life insurance just incase.

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?

Everyone has reacted fine.

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

Fine, everyone is supportive.

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

I was there 5 days. I was in the ICU for 2 days because of high blood pressure. The one nurse there was horrible! Made my sister leave early by lying to her. She kept hitting my hands that hurt because of the IV's. On the main floor, the nurses were very nice, but busy. I didn't ask for much, and once I was walking didn't need much.

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

None.

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 as I got closer was very scared. I made a Will, looked into Life Insurance, but I was ready for it.

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

Very tired. Only walked down the block, slept a lot.

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

30 mins.

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 went from liquids to soft foods. After 4 months I tried pork and ham, almost ready to try beef.

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

In the first weeks, walking from down the street, progressed to one lap around the track, to 2 miles, then at 2 months working out at Curves 4X a week and hiking 1X a week.

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

Multi, calcium, iron, potassium,C, biotin.

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?

Not much. Threw up once. Dry heaved for a week or two when trying to take pills.

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

Right after surgery.

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

Just online groups.

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

I have 6 small scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have had a few, am now 10 months Post-op. They are very frustrating, everyone tells me how good I look, and not to worry, but I do. I have a lot more weight to lose than others.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At 10 months post-op and down 191 lbs, yes. More people want to be with me sexually, and my confidence is up.