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

My friend had the surgery. At first I thought it was a drastic move, but the more we talked about it, and the more I researched it, the more I understood and started to agree with WLS.

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

My journey was surprisingly easy. I made the final decision that I wanted to have surgery in February, did a ton of research, had a consult with a surgeon, insurance approved me in 3 days, had my surgery may 12th. Advise? Be sure this is what's right for you. It was for me. I have my life back!

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

First I went to his manditory seminar, but my first visit, the consult, went great. He was so easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how rediculous I thought they were. I made a list of all my issues and concerns. That way I wouldn't forget anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The day I joined Curves they did my weight and measurements. I had no idea I was so big. I knew then and there I had to do more!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

In the WLS seminar, the Dr discusses Band, Open and Lap RNY. The Lap RNY looked to be the least invasive and from my research showed the greatest 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 was scared to death of dying. I have 2 small boys and a husband in Iraq. Who would be there for them? All the other complication never really bothered me. Medicine today is amazing, so I figured they'd be able to "fix" me. I got through it by telling myself that if I didn't die due to complications, I'd die due to weight related issues...heart attack, stroke...etc. I needed to at least give myself a chance at life.

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 husband and mother-in-law were the biggest support. No one directly said anything negative to me, but I know some people didn't support me, mostly out of gelousy, I think.

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

N/A I'm a stay-at home mom.

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

The hospital was wonderful. I had my surgery Friday morning and left early Sunday afternoon. The staff was very attentive. I'm so glad I brought my own pillow. It helped when I had to cough and on the long drive home to hold against myself. I over packed, though. I'd suggest, besides the pillow, just bring the basics, and chapstick!

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

NONE...thankfully

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

The Dr.s office called and told me my insurance had approved me and scheduled a date at the same time. I had less than 2 week to prepare. I was so busy, I guess that helped keep me "sane." I did stress a little, though.

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

I felt fine. I was a little tired, but really, that's all. I jumped back into my every day routine, without the heavy lifting, and just did what had to be done. It was a big adjustment with eating. I hated the liquid diet! Eating can still be a little challenging, but it's a learning process.

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

2- 2 1/2 hrs away. Fortunately, I didn't have any problems. It's a bit of a drive for follow-ups, but I enjoy the quiet drive out there.

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 hardest part was the clear liquid diet! I'll never eat Jell-o again! I followed my Dr and NUTs diet plan and still haven't had a problem with anything I've had to eat. I think the only off limits thing is something loaded with sugar. The hardest thing for me is to remember to eat. I don't really get hungry so if I get busy, I need to remeind myself to eat or have a protein shake. Oh, finding a protein drink I liked was a challenge in itself!

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

I wanted to do more when I first got home because I felt fine, not even like I had surgery, but I made myself slow down, just incase...After the first 2 weeks, I got back to my normal life.

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

Multi-Vitamin w/Iron, Biotin, Calcium, B Complex, Fiber, Vitamin C, B-12 shots and Protein shakes

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 nausea was in the hospital. I'm sleeping better now than I have in 10 yrs. I haven't had any dumping...yet. My hair is "shedding" but I have thick hair so I don't think it's a big deal. Over all, I feel great!

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

The worst part was actually making the decision to go through with it. I've had no negative side affects, no complications, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

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

There is a support group in my area. I've learned a lot from the people who are further out than me.

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

I had Lap so they're pretty small. I'm not too far out, so I'm sure they'll fade even more. I actually expected worse scarring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't hit one yet. I do feel that I am a slow loser, but my Dr referred to me as a "light weight." I started at 245 Lbs and plan to lose at least 100 Lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! My true friends can't give me enough complaments, which is weird, but others seem to go out of their way to find something negative to say to me. I think they're insecure with themselves.