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

I've known about it for years but have always been afraid. Too afraid that something would happen to me if I tried, but in the end I became aware this is my last chance.

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

It was hard, I had to go through so much. There were tests after tests, and questions. Then they kept asking for more stuff.. it was a battle but it's well worth it!

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

Just remember to make notes! Before you go write any questions down that you think you should ask, that first meeting is kinda scary and makes one very nervous.. at least it did me and I forgot EVERYTHING.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I've known for awhile that I needed to do something and this was my final attempt to make a better life for myself. It was a choice made before I met with the doctor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lots of looking and thinking. I had to explore which one would be the best to help me in my situation. Lack of being able to move around a lot meant I needed something I could get help from ..and that was the RNY over the lap band.

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 had such HUGE fears. I was so afraid that I would not wake up,..but knowing that if I didn't risk it that I wouldn't have a much of a life ahead of me as it was.

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 had mixed reviews. Most of my family and friends were happy for me, while I had a couple of brothers who thought it was too extreme.. but in the end it's up to you and your choice to make a better life or not.

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

N/A

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was so very scary and it lasted for a few hours so I was worn out, but I was very glad because it really helped push the fact that I needed to do something.

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

I was in the hospital over night. The most important thing to bring? A friend or family member, let someone be there to help you through the night. Rest and the next day? have a pillow (body pillow in my case) hold onto it on the way home.

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

Not that I am aware of, as far as I know the surgery went wonderfully

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 had massive anxiety.. I had to up my meds and get a lot of help during the first couple of weeks. Get a support team and be prepared.

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

My first few weeks, the first two were spent with my brother and his wife. I had pain,the worst was the first couple of days, but lots of gas and discomfort. Remember to let people help if you need it and be prepared to be weak, your body has had major surgery and there is a big change in food..

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

I had to travel two hours..it's a rough trip ..going from small traffic to giant massive traffic.. hard on my panic attacks but getting better is worth it. I've made sure to keep in touch with the doctors here in my area so they can watch over me with what they know and can do.

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.

So far I am a month out pretty much.. it's been hard with regular food..my stomach is having issues with digesting food. Right now we think scrambled eggs are the worst.. but just be very careful.

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

I wanted to do nothing but sleep , but the first two weeks I was walking ten mins every hour on the hour.. talk about being worn out..Right now a month later my weakness is bad still but improving, I try to walk when my body is able to.

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

Pretty much what everyone else whose had this surgery has to take.

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've had a lot of gas and dumping like issues since becoming a month out (when I started to eat normal foods) before then I was having a little sleep issue due to panic issues.. if the gas and stuff would go away it would be great.. I did have sleep disturbances from pain and discomfort of course.

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

The pain and not being able to eat without being sick,(doesn't happen to everyone and I've just a sensitive stomach)

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

I haven't really been apart of an aftercare support group or program short of a facebook group I was introduced to by a friend. I'm been blessed to meet all those ladies and thankful because they're all telling me what they think of issues and steps. Not to mention seeing how far others have gone with the surgery.. major help!

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

Um, still puffy and icky..give me time *laughs* I'll report when it heals up more. Right now I'm disgusted by them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Um, I had one plateau a small one right as I went from liquids to trying regular food. I was also blocked up and unable to go to the bathroom, so I blame it all on that and I'm sticking to it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Those who know baby me a little cause I'm still recovering,but I really haven't heard anyone notice much difference in me or treat me different unless I mention something