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

I was looking at weight loss programs on the internet. I believe I sent away for some papers about it.

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

I didn't have any problems with my insurance. (Qualchoice) I did have to pay for my psychiatric exam myaself, but it was not a requirement of the insurance, it was the surgeon who wanted it done.

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

My surgeon was funny but informative. Ask question. There are no stupid questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After trying so hard to lose weight all of my life, losing and gaining, exercizing and spending a ton of money on the latest "fad" diets I knew I needed to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I basically had what they offered, but that was because my surgeon came SO highly recommended.

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?

My fears were slly ones. I feared losing hair (Am into my third post op month with no problems so far) I worried about hanging skin from my arms and now I just think they were silly fears. I did prepare myself in case I did die during or after surgery by making out a will and writing letters to my loved ones.

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?

Most of my friends and family were supportive and they were all concerned. I took my mother who was really worried about it to my consultation and when we left she wanted to ask her doctor about having it herself!

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

I told my boss and she worried, but understood my need to have this surgery. I was out of work for three weeks.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful. Because I have sleep apnea I had to be put in ICU for 24 hours. I was in for 3 days. Bring a 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 felt crazy. It seemed like the surgery date would NEVER come. I just tried to keep myself busy to make time pass.

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

I was sore. Had a few experiences with eating something wrong but all I could think aabout was getting up and about.

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

a few 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 cannot eat fried eggs or bread. I have become lactose intolerant but find lactaid is wonderful for this.

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

I was surprisedf at how active I was able to be. Between 1 and 10 I'd say my energy level was about a 4.

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

I take iron, calcium, b-12, biotin and zinc

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 had a few dumping episodes and that is about it.

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

the hospital bed!

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

I go to meetings whenever I can and I have the obesity.com website, that has been wonderful.

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

it's long. LOL. I never had any kind of abdominal surgery but I did expect something like this. It is my proof that I didn't take the easy way out!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

once, just before my menstrual cycle, that's it for now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just telling me I am doing good.