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

My PCP and I thought I wasn't that bad yet, it seemed to extreme. Now that I know how good I feel, I wish that I didn't wait so long.

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

Make sure that you check everything out. This website is the best for getting information that you will need and you don't know you need to include. Call your insurance company.

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

I hated his office staff but I had been through this with other surgeons. I knew the answers to the questions that I had prepared for him and he answered all honestly and that means alot. He didn't mince words and when I thought I should have another procedure he told me why it wouldn't be good for me. I liked him immediately.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was out of options. I have a family history of morbid obesity and I was not being able to live my life any more. It was hard to walk, stand or breathe without trouble. No good.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor reviewed my history and suggested which would be the most beneficial for me to achieve the greatest weight loss.

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 did have the same fears but I did some heavy praying before doing anything and I believe that I am in God's hands and therefore, whatever happened it was his plan. That brings a great peace.

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 had great support from my family and friends. They are still supportive.

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

My employer was the most supportive of this, not for business reasons but because they knew I was so unhappy and that I was always trying to lost weight. I was out of work for 14 days.

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

I had a good stay in the hospital. I was in for two days. The most important thing for me was a fan. It was so hot in there. The staff at Mt. Sinai in Baltimore took excellent care of me.

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

I had not complications, thank God.

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 had a lot of anxiety because I was sure I was doing something worth wild but at the same time, what was I getting myself into? After talking with family and friends, things just got okay. Waiting for the surgery is the hardest part, I think.

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

I had a strange time, I never felt like I actually had surgery, I had small cuts from Lap, but I never felt any pain or anything. I abided by the rules set forth from my DR and knew what I was getting into so I knew what I had to do. No one should go into this lightly, but investigate, ask questions, attend many meetings and get to know people who went through this procedure. I wouldn't have made it as well without the help I received.

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

50 miles to the hospital but I wanted to have LAP. This didn't affect my aftercare. It is only 50 minutes away. Again I was lucky.

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 mainly lived on cheese, eggs and protein drinks right after surgery. Yes, I did have S/F pudding, jello and mashed potatoes. I only ate about 2 teaspoons of stuff at first, but gradually was able to increase my foods. I tried all foods to see what I can eat and have had no problem with anything. I do stay away from breads, pastas, rice as they tend to fill me up and I usually eat my protein first, then vegs, then whatever. I also stay away from sugar products cause they are not good for me, why screw up a good thing?

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

Slow, but steady. I felt my energy level come and go, depending on what I do. If I don't exercise, I find myself tired. When I do things like walk, I feel better.

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

Right after surgery for the 1st month, I took 3 Flintstone vitamins, 3 xtra strength tums, 1 vit. B-12 (500mg), 2 iron pills, and 2 antigall pills for my gall bladder. Now, in place of the flintstone vitamins I take one Centrum with everything else.

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?

I didn't experience any side effects.

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

It was having to do all my own work with researching the insurance process and having to contact the insurance company and dealing with the paper side of it. Once I was in the hospital, that part was easy. I knew I was ready for it.

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

I see a nutritionist and make sure that I tap into AMOS everyday. I have several people who I try to stay in contact with to stay focused. I am also going to a support group once a month.

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

I have some small scars. This is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on one plateau after another, while this gets very discouraging I know to increase my protein and water and get by it. Sometimes it takes several weeks to break but what a relief when it does. I do take my measurements and that helps, but sometimes I get frustrated.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. But I think I present myself different now, I have more self-esteem, it is not like they can tell a big difference, most think I am on another one of those diets, but those that know I had WLS, are watching and encouraging.