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

A friend had it long ago and was wrecked physically for life, she has gained back all of her weight and more. My initial impressions were not very positive. I also knew that if I did it and it was successful that I would destroy my marriage as I have no boundaries sexually when thin. Sure enough 10 months postop I have an affair. My husband and I are trying very hard to work through this but...

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

My process was so fast and easy I felt guilty in comparison to others. It was only 9 weeks from start to finish. I have PacifiCare and they are wonderful and very forward thinking. I had authorization overnight.

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

It was a group and I was not very impressed. I suppose making sure you ask all the questions and realize that the only stupid one is the one you don't ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I put my PCP off for two years and then she told me 5 years max left to live. I decided a divorce was not a good enough reason to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research online and surgeon choice.

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?

Of course I feared dying on the table but I knew I was dying anyway and if I died on the table I would not have to deal with being fat any longer and if the surgery was a success I would not have to deal with being fat any longer. Win / Win. The slight threat of complications that could have left me somewhere in the middle was real and I was frightened of it however - I was willing to risk it all to get it all. I would tell them that it is normal and to feel it and move on.

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?

Family - mostly not positive. Friends - very positive. No I did a very good job of communicating what I was doing. Everyone was great - but now???? 10 months postop my relationships with every single person in my life has changed. Some for the better and some not. It is interesting how others respond to my new body size. Hey! I'm still in here.

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

My stay was wonderful. The hospital was like a 5 start resort. I didn't want to go home. I was there only 3 days. A fan.

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

None physically, but emotionally I was a wreck. I developed anorexia severely. I am still in therapy 5 months out, but am eating more normally. I still am attached to my PCP monthly, a nutritionist bi weekly and therapist bi weekly. I am now cleared of danger from the anorexia. I am eating though sparingly and I like it that way. I have a personal trainer and he watches me closely and makes sure I eat enough to do my weight training 3 days a week. I walk 5 miles a day and do 30 minutes of Yoga / Pilates per day as well.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Very anxious and somewhat scared. I took Xanax and tried to just focus on the positives of the surgery and the healthier life I would have.

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

My first 3 weeks home were hell. I was sore, and emotionally scared and scarred. I was so sorry I had done this to myself. My surgeon suggested a soft diet way too soon for my pouch and I frightened myself with the pain of stuck food. I wish I had just stayed on liquids. Have no expectations and then whatever they get will be more easily dealt with. Everyone seems to have such a different experience.

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

2 hours. So far distance does not seem to be an issue in my aftercare. My surgeon's office is newly unreachable by telephone. Patients new or old must leave messages only that are not returned. In the case of an emergency I suppose I would just have to be taken 2 hours to show up in the office or er of the hospital where my procedure was performed.

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.

No Way: beef, chicken, rice, tortillas, bread, pasta, butter, any processed food, tuna, raw vegies, pork of any kind. Do Eat: lamb, fish, shellfish, cheese, sliced deli turkey, grapes, mangos, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, yogurt with muesli and fruit, beans, asparagus, salad, artichoke, green beans, apples, oranges, pineapple, cherries,

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

So far at 3 weeks postop my activity level is walking only for aobut 15-20 minutes daily. Although my activities of daily living are improved greatly.

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

Children's chewable - 2 per day. B-12 - Sublingual 1 per day. Protein drink - 44 gm per day.

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

The first 3 weeks postop. The surgery process was a breeze. My surgeon is very compassionate and there was no pain.

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

Once per month meeting 2 hours from home - not very helpful at all. Run by a nitwit. 2 online support groups - very helpful!! And I check into spotlighthealth.com now and then for chatting on emergencies or what feels like emergencies. It is very helpufl and awfully important in my estimation. My favorite is the Over 50 Forum at this site. We rock.

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

I had lap and only 1 incision is larger than what I expected. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Finally now at 5 months am hitting a plateau - only losing maybe 2 lbs per week. It's only a 5-day plateau, but it's still not as fast as previously. I was stuck at 180 for about 4 weeks. Very discouraging but now has moved to 179.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

DEFINITELY. So differently. It is like night and day.