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

A commercial on television gave me my first insight to the surgery and from then on I was convinced I was having it done. I didn't care what the risks, cost, etc. I wanted to be thinner. I would do whatever it took at that point.

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

The insurance companies aren't informed and they need proper terminology. Mine just needed a little education before they could make an informed decision. Don't fight with them because it only makes approval delayed. They will hold off forever if you fight with them.

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

My first visit for the surgeon was a release for me. I had already made up my mind, so if everything hadn't gone as it did, I would have set myself up for a serious let down. He gathers information about your past physical history and assesses your situation and then rates you as a good candidate or not. He gave me insight as to the surgical procedure and all of the risks. He provided lots of information for me to read.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had already made up my mind before talking to the surgeon. It was a means to an end for me. I wanted it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was only one for me to choose from.

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 concentrated so hard on the end result that my fears never came into play. I tried to keep the most positive attitude possible. Also, I didn't tell my family til after the surgery because I didn't want their fears or concerns to interfere with the attitude I had prepared for myself. I was goal oriented not fear oriented.

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 were a little shocked that I had it done, but very supportive. They wanted to know why I decided to take such a drastic measure. I told them my reasons and they were fine with the whole thing. I have given many Dr. Schreiber's name and my mom just had the surgery done, but by a local doctor because her insurance wouldn't allow out of state doctors.

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

I was out of work two weeks and my employer felt that it was a good decision if it was what I needed or wanted to be happy with myself.

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

I stayed at St. Luke's Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. The staff was great. They get you up and moving. I was in the hospital from Monday to Friday. I didn't bring anything except my toothbrush and a change of clothes to go home in. You need nothing else.

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

I didn't have any complications. My breathing was fine, I was able to move around after a couple of days and I think it went well. I just didn't like the part where the lady came in and tried to make me cough, that was a necessary evil.

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 so excited when my insurance gave me the approval. I scheduled it for two weeks after that. I wasn't anxious but for the first time hopeful.

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

The first few weeks at home are a little tough. You have to figure out what you can and cannot eat, where to sleep cuz my bed was way to flat, what protein shakes don't taste raunchy, etc. There is a specific diet to follow and sometimes you don't feel like eating a thing. It was hard to find a drink I could stand so I ate ice chips a lot. Lots of sugar free jello. Soup was okay but sometimes too salty.

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

I traveled 2 hours and it hasn't affected my aftercare at all. I still go to all of my appointments because I feel they are crucial to the process.

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.

Butter is a no-no. Absolutely cannot tolerat mayonaise. Absolutely no fast food. I do really well with veggies that are steamed or stir fried. I love salad and hated it before. Of course these are foods that I take in a few months after surgery. The first month I think I only ate jello and drank lots of protein shakes. I ate soup after that when I could tolerate a little more substance and then I worked my way through everything else. I was a huge candy eater and that habit diminished fast. Everything seems way too sweet. This is a very good thing.

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

I went right to work when I got home because I was self employed at home and could rest when needed. I didn't feel it was smart to sit around, but I didn't overdo it either. I was very tender in the morning after laying all night. That was my toughest time.

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

I take a vitamin that I got from Sam's Club called Multi2000 with Herbs. It has everything I need and then some. I make sure I take them every day because I don't always get what I need from food. Some days I forget to eat because I work alot, but I make sure I take the vitamins.

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?

VOMITING! This was the worst. One bite too much and up it comes. Not a fun thing. This surgery teaches you how to be careful with your body. Treat it as if it is gold. The instant you feel the slightest bit full, do not take another bite or drink cuz you will lose all that you took in. I have learned my proportions now, but in the beginning, it was a little tough.

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

The first day after surgery. You feel as though you never be able to move, but that all ends when the nurses come in. :)

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

I don't go to support groups because they are too far for me. I had my family so I didn't feel the need to go. I think they are very important if you feel you need to go and talk things through.

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

My scar is about 7 inches long from breast bone to navel. That is exactly what he said it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

For two months I didn't lose only but 5 pounds and I thought that I was through, hoping I was not. I was eating and exercising, but it just didn't budge, then all of sudden I dropped again. Your weight just sort of levels off for a little while, then you plunge again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very differently. I get bigger tips at work (as a hairstylist) now that I am thinner. Men are much more enjoyable to talk to when thinner. Women are more jealous of me than they were before. My best friend is overweight and I think it is hard for her to see me, but she never lets it show.