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

I always thought people who had it were lazy. I mean really? Get up and move!!!! I did, and it wasn't working! I have friends who have had it and gained all of it right back. They went back to old habits. Again, really? What a wasted 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 easy, but only because I work in the medical insurance industry. I knew the requirements, and got everything done long before it was needed. Took a month.

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

He was very blunt, but sweet. He said he would do it, this is how, you'll hurt, but you'll be OK. He was right.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A friend I hadn't seen in years made as comment, "pizza? I KNOW you like food. Its obvious" I was crushed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched places and surgeons my insurance covered. I picked the surgeon whotrained with the doc who developed the RnY. His success rate was at 99%.

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 have had several surgeries. What I feared was post op, I vision breaking, internal bleeding. It was a slightly irrational fear. My morphine pump wasn't plugged in my IV, so I went 16 hours with no pain meds, and the nurses ignored me all night. That was real.

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 only told my husband. I didn't tell the rest of the family until well after. Some were mad, but it wasn't their decision.

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

I was moving, so I scheduled the surgery between the two jobs. It was perfect.

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

I didn't.

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

See above.

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

Nope. Just low potassium.

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 in a hurry to lose weight. I was high anxiety. Just needed patience!

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

I was super tired. Going from 5000 calories a day to 300..... Hard. Also, watching other people eat was hard. You really have to mourn food! Really!!!! You need to mourn it!

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

250 miles. No travel issues.

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.

sugar, and bread. Poof, gone.

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

walking was hard. My body didn't like not having calories. At all.

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

I take prenatals, potassium and calcium.

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?

hair loss. I'm a natural red head. But it all came back.

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

the post op period.

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

none. just friends!

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

I don't have any, they faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

they happen, even weight gain. Just wave to watch yourself!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yep! So I treat them the way the treated me when I was fat.