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

I saw many episodes on TLC and just knew I could never get myself over 300 pounds, from that point I knew I had to do something.

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

My insurance took about 3 weeks for approval. I don't think that was that bad but at the time the waiting game was the worse part. The only advice I have is not to freak out and think positive!

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

It was great. My surgeon was/is very helpful!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking at the scale! I was 285 at my heaviest and did NOT want to see 300.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY just seemed like the best choice for ME!

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?

The only fear I had was death but I thought "if I don't have this surgery I will just slowly kill myself. I need to do this".

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?

They were happy for me and still happy! They are happy I did it :)

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

My stay was great! I had surgery the same day as 2 other people and we saw each other while walking the hospital halls. It was nice seeing someone else that I somewhat knew that had gone through what I just did! We all did great! I was there for 2 nights.

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

None

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 SOOOOO happy!!!

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

The first couple weeks were the worse. Liquid diet SUCKS! That was hard for me to deal with emotionally. But once I got past it I was ok and off to enjoy my new life.

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

20 mins or so.

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.

First 10 days - liquids only The next 2 weeks - puree only Stage 3 - solid foods The only thing that I've found that I can't tolerate is cashews. Sometimes I have a hard time with dry chicken which a lot of people do so the crockpot is my new friend!

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

Normal

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

Chewable multi-vitamin, B12, Calcium, and fiber.

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?

Vomiting - luckily it's only happened twice

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

Waiting, waiting, and waiting! Even though the process only took 2 months for me it felt like forever!

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

I go to support groups 3 times a month and they have been great for me.

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

I can hardly see them!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a few plateaus. They last 2-3 weeks and they suck. The firs time it happened I thought it was another thing I was failing at. But I've learned it's just something that will happen.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are nicer ..especially men! They open/hold doors for me, I'm greeted in dept stores, and overall people are just friendlier. Sad but true.