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

A friend of mine had the surgery and her amazing results were what got me interested in finding out more about WLS. I wasn't sure about it at first or even if I would qualify but sure enough I did.

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

This was the worst part of the whole experience. The first insurance company denied me twice. That was very painful. I then picked up insurance through my employer and was approved in 3 weeks. My advice is to call them 3 times per week. Make sure they know how bad you want this surgery. Take names. Find someone who is helpful. Write a personal letter to be sent in with your other paperwork. The insurance guys are human and I think my 12 page letter had something to do with my quick approval.

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

It was a group consultation. very informative. Do your research before you go. Have a list of questions ready for the doctor. Be your own best friend.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just knew in my heart this was my last chance to be healthy. It was the same felling I got when i knew my marriage was over after many failed attempts to make it work. It's just something you know is right.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let my surgeon decide which one she felt was right for me.

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

I spent 5 days in the hospital. I didn't have any problems while there. It was a good experience as hospital stays go. I just took the basics. Comfortable clothes and slippers. Personal items. Wish I would have had a CD player for some music. Never could stay awake long enough to make it through the magazines I brought!

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

No complications so far. Have had to have 2 EGD's for dilitation of my stoma but those were a breeze!

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 on cloud nine. I had a 6 month wait after being approved until my surgery date but the time really flew. Just knowing that it was really going to happen was enough to keep me upbeat for the big day!

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

The first week was the roughest. The head hunger that everyone talks about is amazing. Every commercial on TV is about food. I swear I could've went and bought 5 Big Macs and ate them all in one setting that week. It was a very emotional week for me but somehow I survived. After getting over that part of it, I was fine. I really lacked any energy until about 6 1/2 weeks post -op. Then I just woke up one morning and I felt human again. The g-tube which had to saty in for 4 weeks was also sort of a pain, but well worth it.

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

It took about 2 hours to get to the hospital. Not too bad. Didn't affect my aftercare. I would travel around the world every month if I had too!

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

LOw, LOW, LOW!!! I had no energy. it was all I could do to get myself out for my 3 ten minute walks a day! This lasted about 6 1/2 weeks.

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

Centrum Chewables 1 per day. 2 Viactiv's calcium supplements per day and 1 B12 injection per month

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 have dumped a couple of times since surgery. I was nauseated just before my EGD's because my stoma's were closing. My hair is starting to fall out just now at 3 months post-op. Of all these the nausea was the worst!

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

The waiting for the insurance approval. It's like a kid waiting for the day they get to go to Disney World. It's so stressful, the unknown I mean!!

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

It is about 4 inches long from the bottom of my sternum. Not bad at all. At this time it is still red and sort of thick but I'm hoping it will start fading soon. It is exactly what the doctor told me it would be like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None to trying as of this time. i think the longest has been about 10 days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just when I am out, I notice men treat me diferently. They don't automatically look away anymore. They hold doors, make small talk and eye contact. My family and friends are still the same bunch they were before. I've always been able to count on them!