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

I worked in a department at a hospital that was next to the general surgery department. I have to admit, I was sceptical of it. I thought at first that it was a very drastic measure. So I went to the seminar and didn't follow up at first. I had to give it a one last ditch effort to lose weight on my own.,

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

My hospital stay was only three days. The hospital staff was educated and professional. One of my nurses was 3 years post bariatric surgery with the same surgeon. It was great to know that she had been through it herself. Bring comfortable pillows and blankets! It is hard to regulate room temperatures so having your own warmth helps! And if they tell you to bring gum...it's to get your digestive system stimulated again...getting you ready for some fluid nutrition... it's important. But the most important thing to bring is your regular routine. Whatever it is that you do normally...the sooner you get up and get going again the better. I got up early each morning and put my makeup on, got out my crocheting and I did very well. I was up walking within hours of my surgery, getting up by myself to go to the bathroom and that made a difference.

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

I did not have any complications whatsoever.

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 felt only apprehensive about diet. I didn't know how much to eat, when to eat etc... I had to deal with some early nausea, but when I called the docs office they told me to increase my fluid intake and that should help with the nausea. They were right! I had some problems with constipation as well, but if you increase the amount of whole grains, nuts etc... that should resolve. I find that I am more regular now and I am approx 4 months post op.

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

Don't expect overnight weightloss. If you plateau, that's okay. It will come off. Use the first weeks as a learning curve. You will have to learn how and what to eat all over again. Try to keep your life as normal as possible and get active!

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

4 hours away. It has not affected my aftercare. My surgeon made sure that I knew how to contact him at any time. He made it clear to me that I was a patient for life and that I was important to him. I feel confident in calling whenever I need anything. Thankfully I don't need much in the way of medical advice. I have quite a bit of support close to me, especially at work and that helps.

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 key is to get in all the protein you can first. At least 65 grams per day. For me this was difficult because I could eat so little. I keep beef jerky and nuts handy to be sure I get in the appropriate amounts. I have had some difficulty with white meats in particular. They are hard for me to eat as they feel like they get "stuck". They are the only things that have made me vomit. I still avoid things like chicken and turkey unless they are extremely moist or drowning in liquid. I still avoid sugar. I don't want to get in the habit of eating anything with sugar since I have now developed a healthy tolerance of sugar free foods/drinks. One thing that still gives me a little trouble is that sometimes I don't eat slow enough. I may take one bite too many and that's enough to make me feel sick or feel like I am overstuffed. I do better if I eat slow and take time between bites. If I overeat I produce too much saliva and kind of gag. I always had a low gag response anyway, but this can make it worse for me. I also get "hot flashes when I eat too fast or too much.

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

I began walking each day immediately after surgery. My surgeon told me that those who do best are the ones that get active right away.

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

I take the flinstone chewable every day, A sublingual B12 weekly and calcium chews daily. I have recently added some amino acids to the mix as they are the building blocks of protein... I just want to make sure I get it all in.

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?

I would have to say that the nausea was the worst thing for me. Sometimes I still get nauseated after I eat, I just have to keep trying to get it right! Eat slow, and chew!

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

All the pre-testing and then waiting. I started the process and then the insurance company decided not to cover the surgery. I had to start over and wait until open enrollment to opt for my husband's insurance instead. All in all it took me about 2 years to get it completed.

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

I have two support groups open to me. I attend both. I have two people close to me that have been through it too so I have excellent resources. It is highly important to have someone who can help you along. When something doesn't seem right it's great to be able to get together and discuss the struggles. I have learned so much from some ladies who are about 4 months post surgery longer than myself. It helps!

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

I have a scar that is about 6 inches long. Yes, I expected this. My surgeon told me what to expect. Mine healed very well and I expect that it will fade really well. I am using Mederma on mine at least twice a day. The only aggravating thing about my scar is that it sometimes itches profusely!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to plateau about every 10 pounds for at least a week. I am getting used to this. It is to be expected. I used to do the same thing before surgery, nearly every 10 pounds. My body may think I am trying to starve it so I am not surprised.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I notice that people compliment me more, and I get more attention.