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

Through my work. I thought it was an amazing tool for people who had no other choice- of course, I was not one of those people at that time...

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

It was almost too easy. I credit my surgeon's office staff (Dr Wittgrove) for being the best in the worls, and knowing how to get things done!

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

AWESOME! He and his staff are incredible. Know your options, ask questions, be your own best advocate. Remeber, this is for YOU! Make the most of it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My blood pressure reached 190/130. I was 30 years old.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon prefers the Roux-en-Y, and he is the best- so I went with the recommendation- after much homework though.

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 really did not have any. I was confident in my choice, my surgeon, and God.

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?

Very supportive. I have been open and honest from the start- I don't really let them get to the point of "questioning" my choice.

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

THEY WERE AWESOME! I was out for 2 weeks.

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

My stay at the hospital was very comfortable. The staff was great, responsive, and caring. I was there for 2.5 days. Bringing my own pillow was the BEST thing I did.

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

Not initially.

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 really felt GREAT! I was actually expecting it to be worse, but honestly, I was home, alone and completely on my own after post-op day 3.

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

Don't watch comercials on TV. The food comercials were the WORST! Even though I was not hungry- they caused me to have these aweful cravings. Read a book, chat with a friend, color- seriously, get a coloring book and crayons if you have to- watch movies with no ads.

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

Less than 10 miles- so, no there was no challenge here.

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 followed my surgeons recommendations to a T. Whatever your MD says, do it! Everyone is different so it would not be right for me to give advice about this, but I advanced as told- and did fine!

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

On post-op day 4 I walked a total of 1 mile- broken into 3 (1/3) mile chunks. It felt fabulous! Since then, increased as I felt capable. Weight training is KEY.

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

I take bariatric chewable multi-vitamins, chewable iron, calcium, B-12. MetaGenics- very easy, very tasty. Makes taking them simple.

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?

A few episodes of vomiting- but with plenty of warning- and it was because I had not chewed well enough! A bit of hair loss between 3-6 months, which I was well prepared for. Sleep is still a bit of a challenge, but compared to the health benefits- I can handle it!

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

Having to spend a fortune on new clothes! :)

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

I try and make my monthly support group meetings- sometimes my work complicates this a bit- but I must say this has been a critical piece for me.

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

Scarring is minimal. Lightening with time, and very small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was pretty lucky, I had a slow, gradual weight loss all the way through.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it is weird- I never noticed how un-noticed I really was before.