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

I work for an insurance company, so when I found out that my physician sent in the information, and it was just sitting on someone's desk, I called the authorization department myself. I did not wait until my physician's office called me. The advice that I can give, is that if your insurance contract ststes that any surgery to reduce obesity is an exclusion, it won't be covered. If your insurance contract states that any surgery for weight loss, unless medically necessary, or except morbid obesity, then keep pushing.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was short, but I had done a lot of research before I went to see him. I even tried weight loss medication first.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I tried the weight loss medication, and that didn't work, I decided to have the surgery. I paid out of pocket for the weight loss medication after goig to Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and other popular diets.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since I work for an insurance company, I had heard about the complications that people were having with the Lap-band procedure in my area. There was only one doctor doing that surgery at that time. So, since I had heard about these complications, but none on the open Gastric Bypass, I decided to have the open surgery.

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 knew that if I did what my doctor told me to do, then I would be fine. With dealing with being overweight my whole entire life, the pros so outweighed the cons. I was willing to take the risks. Sometimes I think that is the true way to know. I was originally scheduled to start the approval process and all that in September 2002, but then I wanted to make sure I tried everything, so I postponed it and tried the weight loss medication. So, when May 2003 rolled around, I knew that I had truly tried everything!

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 boyfriend was very supportive. So, was my family. Although my mother thought it was a bit extreme. My brother was scared to death until he was out on the first date with this girl and found out she had had the same surgery. They have been together for almost two years. Talking to her was a great help to him, and she also became a great support for me as well.

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

They were happy for me. A girl in our department had already had the surgery, so that helped.

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

I was in so much pain! That is all I remember. I was there for five days. Clean underwear, and shampoo for your hair that does not require water would also be good. Maybe some music, or shoes to walk in.

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

The only complication that I had is having to have my gall bladder taken out. However, I can't say that is from the surgery, because gall bladder problems run in my family. After I had my gall bladder taken out I could no longer eat red meat. So, I became a vegetarian. But, I get my protein through protein shakes, lots of egg plant dishes, veggie burgers. It works well for me because now my system cannot tolerate red meat. But, no one can say if it's from the surgery or not because of my family history with gall bladder complications.

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 ate everything in sight! Which is not really the smartest thing in the world.

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

A lot of pain. But, also getting used to eating again. People should be prepared to be tired, but be ready to keep moving. Be prepared to walk, and keep moving. Be prepared to get tired easily for a while, and know that is normal.

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

I traveled 5 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 can't eat any sugar. All other things are too elaborate to get into, but will update later.

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

Very low, I got tired very easily. But, once the weight started coming off, the energy level kept getting higher.

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

2 Women's One-A-Day vitamins each day, three Vitamin C a day, three calcium pills a day, four B-12 a month (sublingual), two fish oil pills a day, and protein shake.

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?

The nausea and vomiting were worse. That stopped about 6 months after the surgery. But, recently I have had problems with dumping more recently, which is now a problem. But, I know what causes the dumping, so I simply don't eat that.

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

The pain! I have a very low tolerance for pain, so that's what I remember more than anything! But, it was definitely worth it!!! I am now a size 10!

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

I really did not have a support group, I just kept in touch with people I knew that had the surgery. I asked them questions when I needed to.

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

It's long and ugly. It is not what I expected. I guess I expected a thin line, but since it was stapled, it is wider than I thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The only plateau that I have had is the one that I'm in now. I have only seven pounds to go to reach my goal weight, and it is the hardest seven pounds to lose!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! But, some of that is because my self-esteem is better, so I carry myself much better, now.