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

I don't remember how I first learned about it. I initially thought it was a fantastic idea, but thought it was out of reach for me.

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

I was extremely blessed that my insurance approved the surgery after the first request.

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

My first visit seems like a dream now. I couldn't believe that I started the journey. My surgeon and his office staff were so supportive and answered my questions to my satisfaction. I felt like I was in good, experienced hands. From the front desk to the operating room, they made me feel like I was there to be helped and taken care of.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready. I knew it was now or never, and I had a small child that deserved to have a mommy who had the energy to do things with her and I also didn't want her to be embarrassed of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After attending the seminar, I never questioned that the RNY was what I wanted.

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 scared of the anesthesia, but I was also scared to NOT have the procedure done. I knew diabetes was just around the corner. My knees were starting to hurt, and I knew I had to do something. I was well informed about the risks, but knew I had to assume the risks to do something so that I could live life with daughter.

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 mom was concerned, but supported my decision. My friends were also supportive. Of course, several friends and co-workers just HAD to tell me about all of the horror stories they'd heard about WLS. I was very, very well informed. I did a lot of research on my own, and felt confident in my surgeon's skills. My parents and friends have been very supportive since my surgery and all the way through my journey.

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

My employer was very supportive. I was out of work for three weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. Everyone was friendly, helpful and supportive. I was in the hospital for two days. The one thing I used the most was Chapstick. Everything else was provided. I didn't have energy or time to read. If I wasn't up walking, I was resting or sleeping.

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

No complications whatsoever.

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, it was all I could think about or talk about. I just talked to friends and family about my fears. I didn't eat (although I wanted to) because my surgeon wanted me to lose some weight before surgery.

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

It took a while to get my energy back, but that's normal. I was very, very thirsty, but I couldn't drink like I wanted to. That was the most difficult challenge. I froze a lot of sugar free Kool-ade and ate that like a slushy. Sugar free popsicles helped a lot too.

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

I traveled about 2 hours to have my surgery. The aftercare has still been great, although I haven't been able to attend support groups. Fortunately, there are local support groups that I have been able to go to.

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.

Immediately following surgery, all I could eat was clear liquids. Then I went to cream soups, Cream of Wheat and mashed potatoes. I was able to slowly add solids to my diet after about 4 months. I do not eat sugar (except on RARE occasions, I'll have a VERY small portion of something) because I don't feel well after eating sugar. I also avoid fried foods and rich foods, as they just don't sit well with me.

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

I did a lot of walking.

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

On a daily basis I take a prescription pre-natal vitamin, calcium citrate supplements, iron supplements, and once a week, I take a B-12 sublingual supplement.

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 had a substantial amount of hair loss. I think I lost about 40% of what I had pre-op. I notice it, but no one else does. I cut my hair shorter than I normally would so that I could even it out. I have lots of new growth now, so it's growing back. I do get the "dumping syndrome" if I eat sugar or rich foods.

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

The first two months were the hardest for me. I was thirsty all the time and I couldn't drink like I wanted to. I wish I had done it at a younger age.

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

The online community at ObesityHelp.com has been extremely helpful and supportive. There is a local support group that I can attend if I feel the need.

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

I had laparoscopic RNY, so the scarring was minimal. The scars that I did have faded and are barely visible.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had quite a few plateaus, but they would pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I was fortunate to not have experienced outright prejudice before my surgery.