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

I found out through an add in the daily newspaper. Since I had heard a whole lot of promises, I naturally thought this one had to have a catch.

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

Stay with it and get indignant. What we are talking about is discrimination!

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

I really don't remember.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The old saying, "I was sick and tired of being sick and tired"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didn't know about all the options before i committed. my dr talked about the choices at aninformation session, but i had already made up my mind.

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 was afraid of leaving my husband and little boy without a wife/mother. In fact it srqacred the **** out of me and almost made me cancel. But now i think that if you are in good shape, for your wieght, not to worry too much and just prepare for some pain.

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 was very supportive and my mom wants to have the surgery too. We dicided not to tell my husbands family at first, just what kind of surgery i was having. In the end though, my husband ended up spilling the beans.

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

I never told anyone at work the truth. I was that ashamed of being overweight. I know a couple of popele I work with might be able to utilize information on the surgery, but i still cannot bring myself to tell them.

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

I was there 3 days. Staff was nice, but not too informed. I had to stay in a room with a woman with a clostomy bag who ate constantly and had a lot of gass. NOT GOOD!

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

none, just hunger

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

Mostly, for the first two week i felt like chewing. I wanted to have something in my mouth so bad. I actually had my husband get some jerky, which i chewed up and spit out just to work my jaws. i also didn't like the way my mouth always felt stale, even just after brushing my teeth.

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

I was only home for two week before returning to work. I would really advise people to get back into a routine as early as possible. Yes, you are tired a lot, but it gives a sense of normalcy to it all.,

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

I had my surgery in a hospital about 45 miutes away. My doctor really did not have any aftercare suppport, so I felt on my own.

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.

First two week, clear liquids only. After that, full liquids then soft foods for about 6 weeks. I had a lot of problems with eggs. Even at 6 mo post op, i still do, Just can;t tolerate them. I had a tough time with meat at first and still haven't had any steak, not that i want it. I tried instant breakfast for the protein and all the good stuff in them. But really dumped. At about 5 mo post op I had some christmas candy and tolerated well. Avout 5 mo postop I discovered I could eat a little more than the little i was. Now i worry im eating too much.

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

sad to say, i am still horrible at excersising. BUT-- there isn't an activity i won't try or be up for.

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

i rKE A DAILY VITIMIN WITH IRON. NOTHING ELSE

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 hate the hair loss!!! Should consider myself lucky with no other side effects really, but at 6 mo postop, still losing hair!

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

The first two weeks. For the first time in a long time i had all this time on my hands, nothing to do but recouperate and not able to eat a thing. Breaking the psycol;ogical dependance on food was hardest!

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

NONE. The Dr. has a monthly support group, but it is 45 minutes away and they all know each other and i really do not fit in. I mainly look to the internet and the stories i find there give me inspiration.

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

At 6 mos postop, it is pink, 6 inches, fading to nothing at the bottom but some scar build up at the top. I am pleased with my scar,

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Currently on one. I know i should excersise but that has not translated into action. in Dec and Jan i've only lost about 5-7 pounds so far. SUCKS

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yas at first. but mostly just curiosity and watching me eat as i i were going to expell the food right through the scar on my stomache