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

I had heard of it years ago but never thought of it for myself. I did not even know it was an option. It was when one of my employees had it that I started to think seriously about it.

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

I was denied the first time. I was going through the Barix Clinic who also has an agreement with a legal service. As soon as I was denied, the legal service kicked in. My biggest issue was that I was so healthy in all aspects other than the weight. The legal service called me and told me that only about 0.5% get approved the first go 'round. She called back in less than 1/2 hour to tell me that I was one of the 0.5%. It was very close. I was actually laid off of my job on Nov 19th, had the surgery approved the week of Nov 5th, had the surgery on Nov 15th, started a new job on Nov 22nd, left my husband and moved on Nov 30th. I never had time to be sick, that's for sure.

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

Don't have too many expectations. A surgeon is a surgeon. I liked my doctor, but I didn't really want a personal relationship with him. I just wanted to understand my contribution and what my expectations should be.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I could and I was approved. I would have done anything to get to a better place physically. I have had no problems whatsoever and after five months am down 88 pounds. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that I had major surgery even a week after the surgery. Now I am looking forward to the plastic surgery and saving my money.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only offered one and my insurance would only cover one, that was a pretty easy decision.

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 more afraid of dying fat and nobody being able to lift me. Deal with opportunities/problems as they come.

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 always been very independent so some of it was tough for me. I was in the process of leaving my husband, so all of my kids moved me. Most everything I did on my own. My family is thrilled at my progress. My ex husband has never been supportive so that is a non-issue.

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

I was laid off on Nov 19th, had the surgery on Nov 15th, and started a new job on Nov 22nd. My employer didn't really know what was going on but I personally did not lift anything and I went home for lunch each day. I still, to this day, get a large glass of water when I get to work and try to drink this before the end of the day. I told my employer and co-workers the truth. I also tell them constantly how much weight I have lost. I think it keeps me honest. I believe my biggest issue is that I can still eat anything I want, just not as much. Therefore, I have to be very self-disciplined so that I retain the new life style that I have chosen.

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

The stay was like a "fog". I just wanted to get through it. I was in the hospital for four days. I didn't really need anything. The hospital took care of everything.

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

None at all.

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

Initially, I could not stop thinking of food and watched Food TV every chance I could. I maintained the prescribed diet, but longed for the day that I could eat again. It turns out that I can eat everything I could before, but it does not taste as good and it does not give me the same results as it did before.

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

You will need help putting the stupid girdle on each day. Keep the girdle because I actually needed it a couple months later when I had a problem. Your "break-up" with food with be a little bit emotional but it will pass. Stick to the prescribed diet at all costs. Drink lots of water. Don't weigh yourself every day. I weighed myself at three weeks and six weeks. I tried to think of other things during the first six weeks. DO NOT LIFT ANYTHING for around six months.

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

I travels around four hours. I went to the three-week appointment but realized that I was in really good shape and saw no reason to go to any of the after-cares. I have talked to my personal doctor about several issues and that is working for me.

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 don't even remember, but I know that it was emotional. Thanksgiving was rough, I had a "banana smoothie". I ate some crab at around three weeks and I guess it was too rich because I was sick for several days. After that I was more careful. I have not found anything that I cannot eat but I do focus on protein because I want to be healthy and I want to keep losing weight. If I eat too much, my body makes me pay for a couple of hours with a horrible bloated feeling. I rarely feel left out in regards to food. I do finish way before anybody else and that can be ackward sometimes.

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

I had no time to rest and tried to walk but my kids were just too much to make that successful. I still do not exercise enough and recently bought some equipment that I am trying to make myself use on a regular basis. I know I need to exercise, but between work, the kids, and some emotional issues that I am dealing with regarding my divorce, it is hard to get motivated.

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

One "One-A-Day" per day.

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?

No side affect was bad enough to complain about. I am currently experiencing hair loss. My doctor says that there is nothing that you can do about it and it will pass. It is due to your hormones freaking out a bit.

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

Waiting for the approval and not having it done sooner

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

I have my family and friends. I tried a WLS support group but it was too much hassle to find a babysitter, etc. I am currently in a divorce recovery group and I think that is actually what I personnally need right now. I am very lonely, not hungry.

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

My scar looks a hell of a lot better than my stomach used to. It is just a light pink line down my belly. I had no expectations and was not even concerned about this. I am looking forward to plastic surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I believe that my plateaus are due to not eating. I am experiencing heavy emotional issues with my divorce and some weeks I do not eat like I should. When I eat like I should, I am able to kick start my system, but the prior week is already lost. I was losing around five pounds per week, my average has dropped to four, but hey, that ain't bad!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think that this is more due to the fact that I carry myself differently. I don't really notice too much difference from before as I have always retained a lot of respect for many other reasons other than personal appearance.