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

It seemed scary and attractive at the same time.

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

No problems. It was a rigorous process -- so many evaluations, etc. But I think WLS is not for everyone, only to those with maturity, good reasons for undertaking it, and a modicum of psychological health. My advice; If you are not sure, DON'T.

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

It was a large informational session. I was most impressed with the folks who had undergone the surgery. In particular, when I was told they had lost so much weight WITHOUR BEING HUNGRY, I was sold.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My inability to control my diabetes.

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

Less than 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 really counldn't eat much of anything. The only thing I liked were sugar free popsicles. I hated, HATED, the protein shakes. After two months, I began to get some apetite back, and I knew then I was ont he mend.

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

I was flat on my back most of the time. Zero energy, giddiness, pain.

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

Flintstones complete 2 pills daily. Caltrate 600 - 2 daily. Ferrous sulfide - 2 daily. Biotin 1000 mg - 1 daily. B-12 - 500 mg, one daily sublingual. Essential fatty Acids - 1200 mg - 1 daily

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 worst was my spike in blood sugar, up over 500 for a while. (It is not around 80) It made me dizzy, totally lethargix, nauseous.

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

The blood sugar spike after surgery.

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

I went to a group of others who had WLS with the surgeon. Frankly, I find it boring and have stopped going. I did physical therapy after two months for about 3 months. Then I went over to a gym and personal trainer, and that is great! I consult a dietician periodically. I see my PCP and the surgeon for blood tests and consults. I have spoken with a psychologist a couple of times. The physical therapy was a great idea, and now I am up for workouts.

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

Minimal. no big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss is not even. I get stuck for a couple of weeks, but just keep plugging on eating right and working out, and then I drop a bunch.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. Sometimes people literally do not recognize me. I joke that I get more positive feedback for losing nearly 100 lbs that I would if I won the Nobel Prize!!!