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

I learned about WLS from the internet. My initial impression was that it was too dangerous.

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

I didn't have any trouble getting approval. My company has the Weight loss surgery rider on its policy so as long as I met the requirements, it was okay.

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

My first meeting was about 2 hours long and the reason it was that long is because I had researched and researched and I asked a lot of questions. That would be my advice. Ask all the questions you need to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let my surgeon determine which procedure he preferred. He was the one doing it, so it was his decision.

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 those fears initially, but once I made the final decision, I let them go. It was in God's hands at that point. I knew what ever he brought to, he would bring me through. If it was my time to go, then it was my time. I am not about to argue with the KING of KINGS.

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 was against the idea at first when I brought it up but he eventually was my rock during the process. My mom is the greatest mom in the world. She cried when I first told her I was having it done but then she just asked me what I needed from her. She was with me from the start.

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

I told them from the get go, they were okay with. I was out of work for 7 weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was impressed with all that took place. Bring your tooth brush and slippers, you do a lot walking.

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

I had some bleeding along my staple line on my 2nd day and it caused me to dry heave for 12 hours. It was awful. They tried all the anti-nausea drugs but nothing worked. I felt like I was dying. I made it through, though.

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 but then I had to stop and think what I needed to plan to do up to the date.

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

I got real tired really easily and I slept a lot. I had a lot of pain from an incision where he inserted the scope. He sewed it up with the nerve caught so I had constant pain for the entire 7 weeks. But its gone. Just take one day at a time. It will get better.

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

I had my surgery in town so there was no traveling for me.

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.

I am not going to go in to that. Everyone is different and everyone has different diets that had to follow.

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

Very little. Due to the pain in my right side, it was minimal.

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

I take iron, b12, prevacid and multivitamins daily. It gets very old very quick but its a sacrifice you must make.

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 worst part for me is the hair loss. It is still going on and I really wish it would stop. I don't know how to deal with it. I just do.

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

I don't have any regrets what so ever.

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

Obesity Help.com has helped me quite a bit. It is nice to see people who have had the surgery and have had the same questions or side effects.

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

My scars are minimal. I am not displeased at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit a few plateaus, but that is only measureable because I weigh myself daily. I shouldn't but I do.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't feel like the center of attention anymore.