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

I watched something about it on tv and also later on a friend of mine had the surgery.

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

I was lucky I didn't have problems getting my insurance to pay.

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

I was a little ashamed of myself to tell you the truth,that I had let myself go that far. But the dr was really understanding and didn't make me feel ashamed at all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My clothes getting tighter!!! I had just lost a bunch of weight and I was already going back to my larger sizes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research on the internet, Talking to a friend that had the sugery seeing what the surgery has done for her.

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 was so scared of dying. I even wrote little notes to my kid's in case I didn't make it. I just knew that I was going to shorten my life on the road I was on and I knew that I didn't want to stay this way. You know ALL OR NOTHING! I say if you feel strong about it and you can't keep your weight off then go for it. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. This is not the end of the world its the begining of a new life!

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?

My family didn't want me to do it. My husband accepted the way I am. But it's how you feel about yourself. He did support me and he was a great help in the hospital. It's hard for people that have never been very heavy to understand so don't expect them to. I also think he will be very happy about it in a few months.

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

I wasn't working. I took the summer off at school for this. So I was lucky on that one.

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

Who likes being in the hospital? I was there 4 days and I think I prob could have come home the night before. The most important thing to have is chapstick and some throat spray. (since you can't eat or drink these things saved me!

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

None so far

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It's been 3 weeks and I am still trying to find out what I can eat and how much. I have been a little cranky but I am not taking anything for depression like I was before. I did take naps for the first 2 months after the surgery. I did have spells where I just felt bad. It has been 5 months now and I feel years younger!

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

Its been 3 weeks and I still get tired around noon. Little naps help when I am able to take them. I get tired cooking and doing housework but I do a little and sit down. I have started a walking program maybe that will help some with the energy level.

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

I had to travel about 80 miles. I don't think it will affect my aftercare.

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.

Well so far anything dairy goes right through me. I can eat about 3 bites of eggs and I am full. So far nothing makes me sick. Guess I still have to find that one out for myself. This is just 1 week post op for me though I have a while to go. On week 3 I am able to eat a little bit more but still soft foods are the best on me right now. 5 months post op and I can eat almost anything but dairy ( it makes me feel sick) I can eat most meats now but still eating the small amount like I am suppose to.

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

Well its a week after surgery today. I have drove my car some and did a few things around the house. I don't seem to be troubled with my energy level right now I am still working out the soreness.Week 3 energy level is low around noon. A little nap helps.

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

Taking a mult vitamin, caltrate D, and something for my hair cause I am sure that will thin out.

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?

Right now I am having a hard time resting I think its from being sore. Dumping was pretty bad on me I couldn't eat without feeling sick even though I kept my food at month 5 I can eat meat and that will help on the hair loss. The hair loss was pretty scarey at month 4 but it's getting better now.

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

The worse part? Probaly taking that nasty stuff to clean out your colon. That is my thinking on it right now. Also not being able to drink for 4 days I think that would come in a close 2nd. I have always drank alot of diet mt dew and now I can't seem to quench my thirst right now but it's getting better.

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

Just talking to people that had the surgery online and a couple in person.

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

My scar isn't too bad. There was one place that opened up in the hospital about 3 inches that will be a little wider. 5 months post op and the scar is no longer the bright pink. I think it's looking better and when I can get a little sun on it I think it will help it also. The scar is a small price to pay for the amount of weight loss.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The 11th month the scales barely moved. That was my biggest plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't really see a difference in the way people treat me.