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

I saw some commercials in the late 90's about bariatric surgery and got interested. At that time though I wasn't ready to make a commitment.

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

Because I did over 10 years of research, I had my stuff documented already. Keep track of what you do such as dieting, the ups and downs, what the doctor says about your weight, keep all of this, you'll need documentation.

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

I had went to three other seminars with other bariatric clinics before finding the right clinic and the right doctor. The first meeting is always the toughest and things can slip your mind, write your questions down and take them with you. BE PREPARED!!! Do not be afraid to ask questions, even if you think it isn't important, ask anyway.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found the right doctor, plain and simple!! I trusted him and his knowledge and experience and I am so very happy that I did. I was ready to change my habits forever and made the full pledged commitment to a healthier, happier me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussing things over with my doctor. We went over all the options and I chose the one that best suited my goals.

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?

With any type of surgery there will always be that fear. My advice, research, get familiar with the procedure, the ups and downs, ins and outs, pros and cons. Knowing full on what to expect will help ease fear. It won't go away totally but your mind will love you more for it.

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?

My family and friends have supported me throughout my weight loss journey and beyond. Because of my weight loss, family members have changed their habits as well and have lost weight without surgery. It's definitely a life changing event not just for me but other family members as well. I am paying it forward by helping with nutrition and exercise.

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

Well, I do not have a job so this does not apply to me.

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

There was a lot of information to take in at the first one. I am glad I attended as many as I did and with different clinics. I chose the clinic that was right for me and the doctor. I must stress the need for feeling comfortable with the physician, if you're not comfortable then don't go through with the procedure. I am glad I waited and found someone that was so informative and compassionate.

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

I loved the hospital staff, they were amazing!! I was there for 3 days. The key in the hospital is to get up and walk. The staff are there to help you along the way but make the effort to walk. Bring something to read, your journal, and perhaps your own pillow.

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 must say I felt great from the get-go. Not everyone I have talked with did well at first, so keep that in mind. I had and have no problems with keeping things down, walking, etc. When anxiety was present, I learned to breathe. Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Meditation has been a big help along with exercising. Get up and walk around if you're feeling anxious.

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

When I got home, I decided to stay at my parents home because it is closer to a hospital, just in case. My abdomen still was a little sore so I slept in a recliner for about the first week or so. The liquid diet is a must for those first couple of weeks and I was happy to oblige. There will be pain and discomfort during this time but with steady walking and keeping the intake of fluids, a person can get through this.

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

It was a two hour drive. It hasn't affected my aftercare because my doctor has an office in my town.

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.

Soup is a big no-no for me. I cannot handle it. Definitely lay off the sweets. Use Splenda if need be. I stay away from a lot of red meat. I do buy the 96/4 hamburg. I can tolerate that but steak and roast, not at all, too fat. I enjoy fruits and vegetables and find that I want to eat them more and more. I also love fish, something I had a hard time eating before surgery.

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

My activity level increased after each passing day. I would walk more and more until finally, I can jog. I exercise quite often with the treadmill, exercise bike, and weights.

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

A multivitamin, Biotin, B Complex, A and D, and Iron

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 hair loss is the worst but it's growing back. I haven't had many bouts of dumping or nausea. The hair loss was almost immediate but has slowed down. Once a month I would get nauseated by something I ate so I wrote that down and stay away from that particular food, usually has to do with red meat or soup.

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

I cannot think of anything being worse, perhaps the hair loss as I am a female but it's growing back. The excess skin could be a factor but to me, I am happy I had the surgery and will take the excess skin any day.

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

Support groups are amazing!!! There are so many great topics discussed at group meetings . I advise anyone to attend.

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

My scars are small and fine. I actually expected them to be huge, to be honest.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my surgery August 1, 2011. I have lost 85 lbs already. I have stalled at 164 but I am great with that. I know that I will lose what I need to eventually. The key is to keep eating healthy foods and exercise. I seem to plateau every couple of weeks or so. It is a common thing to happen so it's not discouraging any more as it was when it first started happening.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Many people treat me differently now, it's unnerving at times to have the same people that treated me crappy, treating me nicely.