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

At first I was turned off by the surgery and decided against it but as my health continued to deterioriate I looked into it further. It was first recommemned to me by my PCP.

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

My insurance company mandated that the surgery be medically necessary. Once they had my comorbidities, BMI and other relevent information I was approved.

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

In my first visit we discussed the surgery and complications. Dr. Sax wants to meet each patients support person so take them with you so you don't need a follow-up visit. He is a great guy with a good sense of humor. He is really easy going but very concerned that patients be ready for surgery before he will operate.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My poor health was the final determinating factor for surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had prior trouble with adhesions so open was the best choice for me.

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 positive I would die during surgery and had even written my husband and children good-bye letters. The letters were very theraputic for me. I laid in the surgery waiting area crying! The nurses were great and told me that I was on my way to better health.

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?

I would have had the surgery without my family knowing if I could have. My family and my husband's family were all against the surgery. I got tired of the negative comments and the comments behind my back. They just didn't "get it". So far they just don't talk to me about it. That's fine with me; it isn't their business!

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

I had surgery on a Thursday and went home on Saturday. The only thing I used that I took was my tooth brush.

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 stressed about gaining more weight. I ended up loosing 21 pounds! I was nervous but knew I had made the right decision.

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

I did very well. My surgery was 10/25 and I took my kids trick-or-treating! I was uncomfortable but not in pain.

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

My surgeon and hospital were local; 15 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.

Directly following surgery I was on a liquid diet. Then at 10 days started with pureed foods/soft food (scrambled eggs, cottage cheese etc.) At this point meat is off limits and anything tough like that.

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

I was out walking 5 days after surgery. Now I'm up to 2 miles.

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

I take B-12 dots and calcium supplements. I drink protein supplements too.

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 vomit a lot as I discover what full feels like. It is not a big deal for me.

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

This has been a positive process so far for me.

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

I belong to a local support group and it has been an important part of the precess for me. My questions and concerns are addressed.

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

My scar is HUGE! About 9 inches but who cares? Nobody will ever see it!