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

I would hear commercials about it, i thought, this is my final dual with Obesity.

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

My insurance company was great, the approved me first thing on.

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

My first surgeon was great, I fell in love with him. I trusted he would take care of me, just like his own. Insurance company didn't cover them two months from surgery, so I had to find a new one. I trust that GOD had a plan, and I am glad I listened to his plan.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being told that being SUPER MORBID OBESE was making me infertile and that if I was to get pregnant now, it would either kill me, my unborn child, or both. The thought of dying and leaving my son alone terrified me and I know I had no choice.

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

Saint Anthony's Hospital was great once I got away from the idiot admitting nurse. She only half assed got my IV in, and she actually told me to hold my hand at an angle so it would work. The nurses on the surgical UNIT were TOPS!!!!! *****

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

I had no complications at all, the Surgeon said that I was his model patient.

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 great, battled head hunger for crap that I shouldn't be eating. I had a great neighbor that had this surgery as well, and she helped keep me in control. My family was there and very supportive, they helped although they didn't understand.

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

I was great once I got home. I was sleeping in my own bed (husband would help me in and out) until about two weeks, then I could get in and out myself. This is not normal, most can't sleep in beds when the arrive home.

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

I only had to go about 15 miles from home. The drive home I had two pillows with me, and hubby helped me hold my stomache if we were going over tracks.

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.

First 5 weeks I was on liguids and pureed (chili is great, just take some gas x first) then I was on soft, if it was soft I ate it. I am 11 weeks out now, and most my foods daily consist still of soft foods, they are just easier to digest then tough foods.

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

First few days after surgery I was lucky to make it off my bed, and to the door of my bathroom. The day I went home, I was up at 3am and strolling the hallways with my wheel chair. I walked with the wheel chair in front of me, incase I was too pooped to go back. Good thing, when the nurse said the doc was here get back in bed, I hopped in the wheel chair and ran my legs as fast as they could to my room, and jumped into my bed. YES i actually jumped and OH DID I PAY FOR THAT.

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

I take two childrens chewables daily, two vitamen E's, one Iron pill, two Calcium daily, and on Vitamin C, I take B-12 injections monthly.

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?

So far at 11 weeks, I have only dumped on canned vegetables. I can only eat fresh or frozen. I so far have had no hair loss, but I am still fearful. One small confession, on Thanksgiving, I ate the innerds of a slice of pie (I forgot I had surgery and wasn't supposed to have it) and it made me feel like I was in diabetic shock. Horrible feeling I hope I never do that again.

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

NOT DOING IT SOONER

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

I use the internet chat as my support group. I see the surgeon monthly for first 6 months, then at one year, then at two years.

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

You can see my before and after pictures along with scar at http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=1633893& If you ask me, the scar isn't that bad. But I dont have issues with scars like some folks do.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only weigh myself once a month, so I dont know if i hit plateaus. Safer that way, otherwise I will become obessessed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.