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

I had already known about the surgery for a few years before I started to consider it for myself. The first time I had ever heard of it was when singer Carnie Wilson had it done. My first impressions of it was that I wished I had a lot of money so that I could have it done. When I found out that insurance would approve it in some cases, that's when I started my research. Once I started snooping into the world of WLS, I got freaked out, convinced myself that it was a horrible procedure, extremely dangerous, and an extremely desperate measure to lose some weight.

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

My insurance approval process was very easy. The hospital where I had the surgery made the first contact with the insurance company, who in turn approved me right away for the operation. My advice for people who don't have it as easy is, do ALL of your homework. Talk to people who have had the surgery and ask lots of questions. If it comes down to it, call the insurance company on your own and keep doing it until you get a response.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was extremely satisfying. Before the appointment, I sat down and really thought about all the questions I had about WLS and what I needed answered in order to make an educated decision. By the time I got done writing everything down, I had the front and back of a piece of paper filled. When the doctor asked if I had any questions, I pulled out my paper and fired away, one by one. He answered every single question thoroughly and with confidence, which made me feel so much better. He even drew a diagram for me so that I could get a clearer view of what exactly was going to happen to me, and HOW it was going to work for me for the rest of my life. For others who need the most out of their meeting with their surgeon, my advice to them would be 1) go in prepared with questions 2)make sure you feel comfortable with what the doc says, and pay attention to how he explains things, and 3) pay close attention to the demeanor in which he answers your questions and tends to your concerns. You want someone who is serious about wanting to help you and NOT someone interested in just making another dollar.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Once I saw the success that my best friend had after having it done, and seeing the way she healed so quickly and got on with her life, I was ready to go. She made it look so easy to me, that I was certain that I could pull it off too. By the time I made that decision however, I was totally sure that I knew everything that I needed to know about the surgery to make me feel comfortable with getting it done. I had researched it over and over for more than two years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the easiest part for me. I knew that I wanted the RNY, because it was permanent. And, I also knew that I wanted it done laparoscopic because I was only 27 at the time and I didn't want a 6 inch scar going down my abdomen.

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 lots of fears which is why it took me so long to decide to go through with it in the first place. One of my fears was of developing health problems after surgery when I had been otherwise healthy before it, besides being overweight. I also feared missing food and the comfort of food, and I must admit, that's the fear that stalled me the most. My advice to people who may be having fears or reservations would be for them not to make a decision until they truly felt ready for any consequence. It is so important to be totally comfortable with your decision to have this operation because it changes your life permanently.

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 friends and family were supportive, all except for my father. Based on the way my friends and family reacted when i told them i was going to get it done, it appeared to me that they had already thought it was a good idea, and why didn't I do this sooner? My father is old fashioned, and believed that if I could just stick with a regular diet, then I would just be fine eventually. I overheard him tell someone after I had lost about fifty pounds, that we was opposed to it before I did it, but now that I did, and I was healthy, he believed it was the best thing I could've ever done for myself. He also said that he was sure that it saved my life. That made me feel 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, like my friends and family didn't seem very surprised either. I was upfront and honest about it, since I had discussed it with some of my co-workers before having it done anyway. I was out of work for 8 weeks, and that's just because my job requires a lot of heavy lifting and physical work. If I worked in a relaxed office, I could've gone back to work after about 3 or 4 weeks with a laparoscopic procedure and it wouldn't have been a big deal.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. I was there for only two nights, and out of bed walking around the same day only a few hours after surgery. I would have to say that it is most important to bring your own slippers, pj's, and something to keep you entertained.

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

I had no complications at all, and hardly any pain after. The only discomfort I had was from the gas they blow you up with during the surgery that somehow manages to stay inside your body even after they close you up....but it went away after 2 days.

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 so excited to have a date. The only bummer was that I found out in the beginning of May that my surgery was going to be the end of August and would have to wait almost 3 months to have it done. By the time I had my date, I was so sure that I wanted to have it done, that my anxieties were all gone by that time, and never resurfaced.

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

My first few weeks home were okay. I did a lot of walking, which is recommended. I would tire easily though, and I believe that's only from the trauma the body undergoes from anesthesia and major surgery. Mostly, the first weeks at home are your biggest adjustment. With learning how to eat for your new life, and controlling yourself with cravings, it's important to concentrate on what you need to do to be successful for the rest of your life.

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

I only had to travel for 45 minutes. The hospital wasn't that far away, so this made my aftercare generally easy.

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.

Right after surgery for the first week, I was on clear liquids only. Then the next two weeks, full liquids, which consisted of creamy soups, puddings, shakes, etc. Then finally after that point, we started to introduce some foods with texture. It was a slow healing process, but I think very worth it. The biggest thing for me to give up was soda. That was off limits due to the carbonation. I missed it so much. My dietary tolerance as far as how much I could consume right off the bat seemed so minimal. I felt so full after two or three bites. Which is why it is important to pace yourself and chew slowly. As the months went on, my pouch could hold a little more, and even now, almost 3 years out, I find myself still getting full fast.

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

Right after surgery, I began walking right away, in order to prevent clots and complications. Soon after, when I got my strength back, I joined a gym so I could stay active. That was very important in making sure I didn't have a loose skin issue. It is so important to start exercising as soon as your surgeon gives you the okay.

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

I started off taking a multi vitamin twice a day, and then when it was okay for me to swallow pills again, I moved on to a prenatal vitamin once a day. It gave me the extra iron I needed. Otherwise, I wasn't vitamin deficient anywhere else.

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?

The only side effect that I encountered was the hair loss. It was sort of a big deal for me, because my hair is my "thing." It bugged me to see the way it came out in the hairbrush or the shower. It started falling out about 2-3 months after the surgery and lasted about 3 months. To me it seemed like quite a bit of hair, and I was bugged, but I knew I wouldn't lose all of it. Now, it has grown back, and it's healthier than it was before it fell out.

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

For me there was no "worst" part. I felt prepared for everything that was to come afterwards due to all my research before hand. Had I not educated myself, there may have been something to report.

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

I haven't been involved with any support group or program, and I believe that it would be very helpful for me to get involved in one. The advice that I get from ObesityHelp.com has helped me through some pressing things thus far, but talking about it in person may be better. I'm looking into it.

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

I have seven tiny scars, since my surgery was done laparoscopically. Since the operation, they have faded a lot. I did expect this, and I preferred to have the surgery this way as opposed to the open procedure where there is one large scar in the center of your belly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had lost pretty regularly up until about the beginning of 2007, well in to my 2 year post op mark. Recently, I have had a baby and have been struggling with a 17 pound regain that I'm working to get off now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. And the fact that I noticed a difference upsets me a little. The way overweight people are treated and disregarded in this country angers me. Men wouldn't even hold a door open for me when I was fat. Now, they go out of their way to hold it open even if I'm not quite close to the door yet, they stand and wait. Honestly, it angers me a little bit.