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

A good friend of mine had the surgery a couple of years ago. At first it was scary and it still scares me to ponder whether it will work for me. Now mostly I think of it as the edge I needed to get my life back.

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

I was approved really quickly. At my young age my PCP knew that I was on a bad road. She kept close tabs on me before surgery and knew that there was something that had to be done.

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

A little daunting. The fear of what would it be like to be rejected from something that could change my life. Be upfront and open. Don't be scared to ask even the most mundane questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was failing and my children were getting a lot less than the mother than they deserved.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I weighed the pros and cons and when it came down to it I chose the one that made the most sense to me and the one I felt I could live my life being comfortable with.

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?

None really. I was more scared of dying slowly from obesity.

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 wonderful. I had mixed experiences with friend though. I understand now why some people choose not to tell anyone outside their close circle.

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

I am a homemaker so that didn't affect me.

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

It was okay. I was there 4 days and had little pain. It is important to bring a book cause you are very weak at first and getting around isn't always a option even if you want it to be.

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

Nope

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 anxious. Ready to burst and get on with my new life.

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

to be tired from even the slightest exertion. I had very little pain but the tired feeling came on very quickly and lasted for weeks.

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

2 1/2 hours. It hasn't affected my afercare. My surgeon is amazing and I wouldn't have chosen anyone else.

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.

Of course the first few weeks it was water poscicles and soup broths. Even at 5 months things that have been easy on the tummy for the entire time have and can turn on you. What was fine before may not be the next time around.

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

gradually got better. the first 3-4 were eaxily tiring then after that each day was better than the last.

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

I take a prescription vitamin 2 times a day and 2 chewable Flintstone vitamins 2 times a day.

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 nausea was worst. It came quickly and sometimes really unexpectedly. I am still dealing with it at almost 5months out.

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

The worst part is that people don't understand that this is not the easy way out. It is not a miracle cure. It is only a tool to help us better our own lives. Ultimately we are the ones who have to change our world around or like any other tool not being used correctly it will not work.

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

I attend my surgeons group meeting 1 time a month and use this site at least daily,. I also have an amazing hubby who helps me with anything.

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

It's about 4 inches long in the center of my tummy. It is nowhere as bad as I expected it to be. Thank you Mederma!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't hit any major ones yet. I am now going on a 3 week no loser time period but I know it will start again soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get accepted more. People make more comments about my physical apperance than before but overall I think it has to do with my feeling better about myslef.