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

My primary care doctor told me about it. My first impressions were that I was scared to death. I remember crying at my first visit with my wonderful weight loss surgeon.

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

No issues, the Weight Loss Center professionals took care of everything.

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

I cried--it was so embarassing. However, my surgeon was excellent and answered more questions than I even knew I had at that point. He does a few "introductory" group sessions for participants and families--and they were outstanding. He also recommended a few books. My recommendation is for potential participants to really read on this and take it slow--this is life changing.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I really didn't have many choices left. I knew I HAD to cure my diabetes. I think God led me the rest of the way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the best to cure the diabetes.

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 never been in the hospital before and I would be lying to say that I didn't worry that I would die during surgery. The support groups were helpful in that regard--to hear the good, bad, ugly, and bright futures from real participants is very important. Looking back--it was really quite easy.

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 family was supportive but cautious. My husband was most supportive, but the extended family was concerned. I think I didn't communicate enough about this with the extended family because I didn't want to worry them--and that probably backfired. After my surgery, they were more supportive. My mom worries that I'm losing too much but I'm just careful to explain that I still have pounds to go :).

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

Anyone who thinks they can do this secretly is just kidding themselves. I never talked about my weight before so this was the hardest thing. However, I just decided that I would be pretty open about it (almost a role model for it), and that turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. I didn't make a big deal about it, but even 11 months out, my work folks watch me closely (from what clothes I'm wearing, to my new car, to my exercise habits, etc.). I've become much more of a public figure.

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

My hospital stay was remarkably easy. I was there for 3 1/2 days. Bring your music (it is noisy there), a few shoe strings to tie that awful drain pouch around your neck, and magazines (reading a book was difficult...I just couldn't concentrate).

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

I was allergic to something so I had terrible hives. Otherwise, no issues.

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 scared, and really just wanted to get it over with :). I dealt with it day to day. I did pay particular attention to my diet and vitamin regime. I started drinking protein drinks, got completely off caffeine and sugar, took daily vitamins, and was careful to get enough sleep. I think all of that really helped me heal quickly.

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

While I knew what to eat, I really felt a bit overwhelmed with ensuring I was getting enough vitamins. I went into surgery anemic and didn't want to get worse. I really think 3 weeks was a perfect amount of time to be off from work--and would just recommend that people do not push themselves too hard.

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

Only about 20 minutes.

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.

In the first few months, I was very careful. Liquids at first, a few semi solids next, and then solids. Today, I NEVER eat sweets, and rarely eat white food (white pasta, white rice, etc.). I eat just about everything else except chili powder (for some reason I can no long eat it). I always eat a protein first for lunch and dinner, and my breakfast is always Kashi cereal with flax, and finely chopped walnuts.

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

I was very careful for the first few days after surgery but I did walk all time (even in the hospital). By about 6 weeks, I had joined a gym and began an exercise routine that I've kept up even today.

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

I really, really, really, really believe in a good Bariatric vitamin regime. I use Celebrate but there are several out there. The vitamins are forever and you should take them exactly as recommended.

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 first, and surprisingly scariest, was the hair loss about 4 months post off. I think because I was looking so good otherwise and didn't seem to be able to stop it. Later, I developed gallbladder issues and had to have it removed about 9 months post op. I sure wasn't happy about that but it's over now.

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

The hair loss and then eventual gallbladder surgery.

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

I attend at least month support groups with several friends. It is EXTREMELY important to participate in a group like this. Sharing stories was comforting.

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

I think the scars are less than I expected. I have them but they are no worse than stretch marks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost steadily from day one (so far...I'm about 11 months out now). It was much faster in the beginning and about 3 pounds a month at this point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. I get a lot of attention from both men and women, and that is a little...wierd. I really cannot believe much we discriminate against fat people routinely. There are fat people jokes openly out there in a way that would not be accepted for any other disability.