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

I would guess Carnie Wilson really brought it to my attention. My initial impression was that it was too drastic.

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

It wasn't difficult and went very fast. I had a benefits person where I worked who helped me. I did call the insurance company often after 2 weeks. By the end of the 3rd week, I had approval.

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

It was informative. He was very pleasant. Answered my questions. go prepared with questions about everything you can think of. Check this site out for questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was afraid I was going to die before I was 51.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that recovery from laparoscopic would be much better.

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 expected a positive outcome and would not allow myself to be afraid. I did a living will, just in case, however.

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?

Most were very supportive. A couple were afraid and tried to talk me out of it.

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

My employer was very positive and is very supportive. I plan to be out of work for 4 weeks (including the week of surgery).

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

The 4 days at the hospital were great. The staff at Mills-Peninsula was extremely supportive and helpful. I'm fairly independent, so I didn't require a lot of care. The often asked if I needed anything, the level of pain (which was always 0), if I had any questions.

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

No.

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 had difficulty with eating. I felt good. Moved a little slow. Wasn't too sure about what to eat. Had no hunger at all.

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

Expect to take it easy - you've had surgery. I made sure I got out and walked (just a little at first, then increasing). Sipped water, had Cream of Wheat.

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

About 35 miles. Didn't affect my after care.

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 couldn't eat oily foods - especially food with sesame oil. Chicken breast is difficult as it is dry. Sometimes, chicken thighs are too oily. Some difficulty with sugars and dumping. Can tolerate about 12 grams of sugar before getting ill.

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

Started with a little walk and then increased. Unfortunately, did not pursue exercise (I'm 4 years out now) but find that now I'm starting to exercise, my body is responding very well.

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

Daily - B12, multivitamin with iron, b complex.

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?

Hair loss lasted almost a year. Had loose bowels for 2 years.

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

Nothing about the surgery. I miss milk and cookies, though.

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

The hospital has a monthly meeting. I have not gone in 2 years. They do keep in touch. The surgeon has not. Had a problem 18 months after surgery and the surgeon told me to go to my primary. Was disappointed. Keep thinking about going back to the support meetings. I think it would inspire me.

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

Scars are small. I have always had a problem with keloids and they're still there but 2 have faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plaateaued at about 18 months. Started gaining at about 3.5 years. Am now back on track eating 1500 calories a day and exercising. The weight is coming off at a good rate.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me much better. I feel much better around people. I forget I'm 54.