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

Two years prior to having surgery I had checked into doing surgery but I backed out early on. Two years later I had gained another 35 pounds and I said enough is enough and followed through. And it's been the best thing I have ever done for myself.

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

Approval was quite easy for me. My Dr. followed all the requirements of my insurance. Once all the items were submitted to my insurance, within four days I was approved. First time around...it was seamless.

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

I attended an all day consultation. First with a social worker and then a dietian...that took a half a day. They answered all my questions and advised me off a lot of complications. It was very very informational. Then the remainder of the day was doing lab work and meeting with another social worker and Dr. Smith and his assistant. Everyone was great!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being at my all time highest weight and my health declining quite rapidly. I knew I had to do this for my health and nothing else. If I come out looking great...that's just an extra bonus, I just want my health back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It wasn't a decision for me to make as my insurance only covered RYN.

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 would say I had normal fears going into surgery. But I also knew that if something happened, I would deal with it. I went in with faith. I also felt that if I did die that I would be in a better place and with the loved ones that have passed before me. I believe everything happens for a reason and I accept what ever path God has chosen for me. I believe you need to have faith and that will help you through the process.

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 told my friends about the surgery and about 90% were very supportive both before and after surgery. I did not tell my family as my relations with my family is not as close as it is with my friends. My friends have been great. They keep encouraging me to move forward and have even began working out with me to keep me going. It's great.

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

My employer was very supportive of my decision. I was honest and direct with them and did not tip toe around what I was doing. I was out 2.5 weeks from work and then returned for one week with half days. So 3.5 weeks later I was back to work full time. I do have a desk job so it was easy for me to get back to work.

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

My stay was really good. Had one so called bad nurse but the main nurse I had was terrific. I was in for three nights and four days, didnt seem that long though, it was very pleasant. I brought a book, mp3 player and etc...but I didnt use any of them. I was busy resting or walking the whole time I was there.

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

No complications from surgery. Everything went very smoothly for me.

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 excited and scared all at the same time. I just tried to keep a level head about it and make sure I had everything in line at home and if in the event something went wrong that everything would be taken care of. I just tried to keep myself busy with work and other things that needed to be done to keep my mind busy and off of the surgery.

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

I slept a lot more than I was use to. Even the smallest activity would tire me out. This lasted a few weeks. You should expect to take it easy for a few weeks and need more sleep that usual as your body is healing.

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

The drive to the hospital was about 1.5 hours. On the way home it seemed longer but I was just tired and wanted to lie down. We did stop half way home and get out and walk a bit. It helped me feel much better.

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.

The first week I was home, i was on all liquids. Then I graduated to soft foods and stayed on those for three weeks. After four weeks, I was back to all normal foods. I have found that certain foods no longer agree with me. The two that come to mind first are Eggs, and anything Buttery or Rich will give me instant nausea. So I stay away from those. As each month passes, I am able to eat more and more different things. I have found that I enjoy spicy foods a lot.

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

When I first got home, the activity level was low. I did do my walking as instructed by my doctor but that was about it. I slowly kept building on that each week. About 5 months out, I was up to riding bike for and hour steady, reaching anywhere from 20 - 30 miles each time. My energy level now it through the roof.

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

I take a multi vitamin two times a day. I also take one dose of B-Complex once a day and as needed I take a Calcium D if I am not getting enough through my diet.

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?

Nausea probably would be the top side effect for me. Not that it happened a lot, just when trying new foods that didnt agree. But when something doesnt agree with me...I get like instant flu type feelings. I break out in a hot/cold sweat, the back of my neck starts to sweat and all I want to do is lay down and sleep it off for about 30 mins. I also experienced hair loss four months out. That was depressing for me but it is growing back slowly and I am happy with that.

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

I wouldnt say there was a worse part to surgery. I am very pleased with the whole process.

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

I did not attend a support group before or after surgery. I found the Obesity Help website very helpful for me. I also believe I had the right state of mind before going into surgery. I pretty much followed all the rules to a tea. I wanted this to work for me and I knew I had to do my part to make it a success.

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

I had laproscopic surgery. I have six small scars. They dont bother me at all. For me, it's a reminder of what I have been through and I know over the years they will fade but the new me will always be here.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The lonest plateau I have had with weight loss is about two weeks. I just kept reminding myself that it's just temporary and to keep myself on track and following the instructions and things will take it's course all in due time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people. I have found that the opposite sex give me a lot more looks now. Which makes you feel good but I try really hard to keep a level head about it. I have gone out on a few dates since surgery...they have been good. But I make it a point that I dont hide the surgery. Ususally on the second or third date it comes up in conversation. I figure, I am the same on the inside as I was before, and if they can not accept the fact that I was once over weight, then I dont need them in my life as they are not a possitive influence.