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

A couple of co-workers had the surgery. At first I was critical but then realised what it was doing for them.

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

I had no problems with the insurance company, but with co-workers having the surgery I knew that I wouldn't. I would recommend that folks get their own medical records for the surgeon's office to submit a letter..more speedy that way.

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

I was a tad bit nervous, but knew that I wanted it done. Ask questions...write them down so you don't forget because you will!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking in the mirror, seeing a picture of myself, the aching legs and hips, the tight pants, the double chin, the triple chin, tying my tennis shoes on the sides instead of the middle, hearing 'you have such a pretty face' one more time, the depression, wanting to ski again... I could go on and on!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I basically did the procedure that the surgeon prefers. I did not research different procedures.

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 had fears, but that didn't outweigh my strong desire to lose weight. Don't let it control you - you need to focus on the positive here...not the negative. That's in God's hands, not yours or your surgeons.

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 mother was my Angel. She didn't want to see me go thru ANY surgery but was still very supportive...and now is happy that she sees the results. My father was supportive, in his own way, but still asked if I wanted the second Quarter Pounder that he had bought for dinner my 3rd night out! He finally understood the entire concept once he saw a program on T.V. My friends were great..all proud of me. One friend, who is awaiting insurance approval, didn't let my negative remarks ((2 days post-op)) affect her decision to have it done - thank goodness!

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

My supervisor was very nice about it. She talked openly about it and seems to be happy that I am. Most of the other supervisors around here won't even mention it - in front of me anyhow!

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

My stay was fine..I was miserable for the most part but that was to be expected. You won't need anything but socks or slippers. I didn't need tongs - thank goodness!

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

I had no complications. However, my mouth was so so so dry with the NG tube..being a 'mouth-breather' made things worse. Ask for a nice wet washrag to suck on.

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 scared and happy all at the same time. Then the waiting made me very anxious. I ate! And that you should! Some say don't do that, but looking back now (2 months out) - I would have made sure I ate that huge steak and that huge salad and would have made a sandwich out of anything and everything!

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

The first week was pretty hard. I stayed with my parents and my Mom really helped out quite a bit. You'll need help pulling yourself out of bed. And walk. Even if you can't get outside - I walked around the dining room table a zillion times! The worse part of the entire ordeal was the 3rd night home and my Mother cooked dinner! How dare she!? That was pretty hard because you will think you are starving...but it's all in the head. Just remember that you'll be able to eat those things soon.

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

No affect...travel is about 45 minutes away.

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 have had no 'dumping'. The liqueds were ok..but I started with semi-solids pretty much right away..just eggs and toast, crackers and soups. Mashed potatoes are the best! Now I eat what I want..or try to. Bread is awful..and it's hard because I want a sandwich in a bad bad way! And not just the insides! Meats are not too great either...chicken just seems too dry and seems to get stuck. Haven't had any problems with sugars or chocolate. But a tiny bit goes a long way. Dairy product are fine too. I'm ready for a huge salad! But I still have to wait a while for that.

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

Unfortunatley the same. I walked to increase the activity but haven't even taken that first step to walk as excersise yet. I feel more pep in my step and know walking would make me feel better even. I guess I need some motivation here.

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

Those Flinstone vitamins suck!! I know everybody has to gag them down! The Calcium chews are great...a little treat. (2 each day) The liqued B-12 is gross but makes me feel great - Nurtritionist says can do that twice a week instead of once. Can't tolerate most of the protein drinks. They are forced down and just disgusting. I need to purchase 'liqued protein' but haven't made it to the health store yet. I'm told that's a great alternative.

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 have any vomiting until about a month out. This was because I ate something way too fast and it got stuck. Once it feels stuck your immediate reaction is to drink something to get it down...this is what caused me to vomit. Vomitting is so hard and hurts. When I've tried bread and it feels stuck...I feel sick (not dumping) for about 10 minutes until it goes down. Even the tiniest amount causes this..but I still try every now and then. I've not had hair loss that I've noticed. I've recently gotten a new do that is short and I used to shed a lot anyhow with the long hair.

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

The pain. But it's easy to forget. When I started feeling better about 3 weeks out, I carried storm windows upstairs and put them in...dumb idea. I also had a cold and sneezed quite a bit. This caused a pain under my left breast that worsened to 'Charlie Horses' within a weeks time. It was pretty bad..couldn't stand, sit, nothing! Apparently my muscle was pulled away from my ribcage. That was pretty horrible, but it healed within 3 weeks or so. Okay - new horror - the pain is nothing - easy to forget! The wrinkley skin is another story. Now that I'm a year out...I look like one big (or not-so-big) hound dog. I cannot stand it. I'm going to look into the insurance aspect of surgery(s) to see if they pay, etc.

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

I feel bad to say this but I haven't gone! The group in my area meets the 3rd week of the month and with the holidays it hasn't worked out. But I plan on it!

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

My scar is what I expected. It healed relatively quickly and is a bit sensitive now and then. I have to 'lotion' it to keep it from being dry...winter weather is making my entire bod dry!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had several small plateaus....nothing more than a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. A man actually 'hit' on me at a game! Of course my daughter and her boyfriend thought it was hilarious! But it made me feel more confident and brightened my day quite a bit! It really makes me mad in a small way to see people treat you with more respect. But then I wonder...maybe it's my attitude change that makes them approach me more often or in a nicer way.