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

My endocrinologist suggest bariatric surgery 3 years ago. Two things, I didnt think I needed it because I was convinced I could lose weight on my own, second, I was in the military and gastric bypass was not allowed on active duty. It took 3 years for the military to discharge me on medical conditions and they are now paying for my surgery!

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

TRICARE is pretty good. They require nutrition evals and mental health evals before they will approve. I know many insurance plans, including a lot of Blue Cross plans require you to be on a 6 month medically supervised diet before they approve.. so if you're thinking about it, check with your insurance now. Regardless of insurance, the surgeon and hospital will have requirements, and plan for 3 or 4 months until you have surgery from the time of your initial seminar or appointment.

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

I absolutely love my surgeon. He is and was always honest. He tells you surgery is a TOOL, not a fix to any problem. He says if you don't listen, you will gain weight back and it happens to a lot of people. He was also honest that lap band rarely works and he removes more bands than he puts in! Ask lot's of questions and hope you have a good and talkative surgeon!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that my pancreas was begining to literally die from hyperinsulin and my liver and kidneys were taking a beating due to hyperinsulin.. the 13 medications I take a day, the injectible medication I take everyday, my feet and joints swelling constantly, being out of breath and hurting every where.. and all this at the age of 30.. Enough is and was Enough.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

with my endocrinologist and my surgeon. It is the only and safest procedure to hopefully correct my underlying medical issues.

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 have huge fears, but the good outweighs the bad. I have confidence in my surgeon and you should with yours to, if you don't, find a new surgeon!

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?

90% of my family is supportive. the other 10 are supportive but apprehensive.

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

they think it's great. I will be off any work 2-3 weeks

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

so informational and a definite must before you make any decisions

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

not there yet but supposed to be 2 days

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

not sure

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

when i finally got a date it was unreal. I had waited for 3 years and it felt like it was never going to come. I always thought I'd be so excited and happy, and I am, but as it gets closer and closer, my anxiety is up, mostly about the post-surgery diet and healing. I am very excited for the rapid weight loss, but worried about the diet changes. I am eased by a supportive husband and social group which has helped, I'm also taking a trip for a few day to relax before surgery and help with my anxiety

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

not there yet

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

10 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.

not there yet

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

not there yet

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

not yet

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 yet

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

not yet

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

we have 2 meetings a month i will be attending

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

not yet

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

not yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet