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

I had heard about WLS years ago, and was dead set against it. I have been running my own weight loss support email group, and was against this and any "fad" diets. But I wasn't succeeding with the "diet" route, so I spoke to my PCP. She referred me to a hospital to determine the best route for me. That piqued my interest, so after doing an internet search, I found Obesityhelp.com. It was in the chat room that I started to seriously consider WLS.

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

My insurance was great. They approved me on just a letter from my surgeon and they approved in 10 days.

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

My first visit was fantastic. Dr. Greenbaum is great, and he answered all of my questions before I asked. Anyone going for their first visit...ASK QUESTIONS!!! Have a list prepared. Know what you want, but listen to the doctor's recommendations. And if the doctor is NOT what you want, is NOT helpful and does NOT seem to care...walk out. There are great doctors out there! You deserve the BEST!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The knowledge that I would live with it, and die without it. I wanted a life, and at 35, I wanted to see 40.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the Open RNY because it is the most successful, and at 529 lbs., I wanted success!

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 the normal fears, but being through abdominal surgery before, I knew what to expect. My doctor said it best when my mom expressed her concerns about the risks - "Yes, there are risks if I do this surgery..but imagine the risks if I DON'T do it!"

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 have a wonderful support system. My friends, family, church family and co-workers could not have supported me any better. I was blessed to not have had a SINGLE negative comment about it. I have told the world about my surgery, and I am not ashamed in the least.

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

Great! They supported me 110%. Several offices where I work even have posters on the wall charting my weight loss! I was out of work for 9 weeks. This was due to my excessive weight and just to be sure I was ready to go back.

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

I was blessed, yet again, to have a wonderful hospital with super care. Even now, when I go back, nurses remember me. I was in the hospital for 6 days. Don't bring too much..lip balm, a book, pen and paper, clothes to wear home (loose fitting), slippers..that's about it. Stick to wearing the hospital gown. You will ruin any nightgown or pj's you bring.

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

The only complication was in recovery. Between asthma, sleep apnea and the morphine pump, I stopped breathing when I fell asleep. My hubby and mother stood there waking me up when my oxygen level dropped. They removed the morphine pump, and I was fine after that. I was out of it most of the time, so I didn't really have to deal with it.

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 anxious to have it done! I was excited, scared, nervous, hopefull..the typical roller coaster of emotions. I prayed for strength, and God provided.

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

Pain!! It DOES hurt, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But it doesn't last too long. I was hurting for a few weeks. At my excessive weight, it took me longer to get into the normal swing of things, but it was worth it!!

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

20 minutes...another blessing!

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 was on full liquids for the first 4 weeks. During that time, I discovered sugar was a no-no. I dumped really bad on tomato soup. After going on regular foods, the only thing I haven't been able to tolerate is oranges. As long as I chew all my foods and eat only till I am feeling a little full, I am fine. The strange thing is that one day, I can eat well, and another, I don't want to eat at all.

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

To begin with, I wasn't very active. Being 500+ pounds and having surgery are not the best pairing, but as the weeks progressed, my activity level zoomed. Today, 3 months out, I am buzzing most of the time!

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

I take 1 multi vitamin, 1 sublingual B-12, 1 Iron with Vit C and a calcium chewable daily.

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?

So far the only side effect is the nausea when I eat too fast or too much. That is always my own fault, so I slap myself, and try to do better.

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

The pain. But it didn't last!

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

We have a support group that meets twice monthly. It is fantastic! To talk to others in various stages, to see the wonderful successes, is truly beneficial.

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

It is big. About 12 inches, from breast bone to belly button. I expected that, because my surgeon told me that is what he would do. I don't care about the scar. I have lots of them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus, only slow downs. My losses have been weird..one week 2 pounds, another 7. Our body's are strange things.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just that they are happy for me, and comment daily on how different I look. I love it!!