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

My friend had it and I was very impressed for what it had done for her, how much it improved her life and health. I became very interested, and asked her all the time for all info, GOOD AND BAD!

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

I was terrified, I sat on pins and needles, the whole time bulding up to the submission date, because I didnt know what would happen. I have Aetna, and Ive heard good and bad, so it was like 50/50, well I waited for 2 weeks and got my approval, and I was so releaved. I could finally celebrate, it was actually becoming real now. I actually cried for relief when I read it! Just make sure that all doctors, nutritionists, exercise therapist, physcologist, everyone documents everything and often! Make sure you have a team of people that work with this type of surgery, and understand the requirements so they can help you with this!

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

My first visit with my surgeon, was actually very brief, straight to the point and understanding. Ask questions if you dont understand something, the Dr will tell you straight forward what he feels would help you the most and whats best for you. Remember he has done this for awhile, you havent!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was scared for my life and health, and I knew that I couldnt do it alone, and I had to fix that. I knew this was the right thing and then when my clinic said to me "well your at the right place" that then made me feel 100% yep this is it!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that gastric bypass, was the best fit surgery for me, for my age, my weight, my issues, and my life style.

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 actually at the last moment finally got scared for the first time ever, and Ive had 8 surgeries, and for the first time was scared about dieing. It was funny when I woke up from surgery, I started singing Im ALIVE, really loudly! Just believe and keep faith. Keep your head high and dont drown in doubt!

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?

I was shocked at how supportive my friends and family have been actually. After seeing how my friend was treated by her friends, I was afraid to tell people. But I felt that it was best to go ahead and remove the negative and get all the support around me now, because Im going to need them all after surgery. The best decision I have made!

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

I dont have to worry about this, as I am my own boss!

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

That was the very first thing I did, before I even started my process into this journey, and this very straight forward and to the point in detail seminar, is what made me push forward and actually go through it and complete the process!

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

I had the best team of doctors and nurses I could have ever asked for! I was there for 4 days. The bed side manner and knowing what they are doing and showing it, are the most important to me. Again, I had the best team I could have asked for!

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

U had a hital hernea they found when they went in and had to repair it, but other than that all was 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?

I had to wait 2 months after I got my surgery date, and gosh I thought it was going to take forever. But it ended up going by quickly, and I actually didnt dwell on it that much and definately no anxiety, until the day before. But the day of the surgery I was completely calm.

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

this is your time to recoup, plan on being sore, slow and needing extra help especially the first 2 weeks. Rest as much as you can, and sip sip sip, dont get dehydrated, it can happen fast and its scary. Take care of yourself, this period is a great adjustment to your new life style, and it will be tough but just keep looking forward.

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

45 minutes from my house

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.

10 days before surgery I was on a full liquid diet, this prepares your body for the surgery, so remember when you are feeling weak and you cant do it anymore, this is to make your body better for the surgeon so he can do his job better! No sugar and low sodium After surgery I am back up to soft foods, and still no sugar, low sodium, no pasta, rice, vegetables or bread, or potatoes.Protein is number 1, chicken and then I eat some beans and cheese too.

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

my activity level is slowly coming back up over the past few weeks, take it slow and steady, but dont give up. Definately keep moving, walking the quicker you get to moving the quicker you will heal and feel better. Just take your time at it.

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

Multivitamin 2 times a day, calcium citrate and B12

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 had some nasuea, that is controlled with meds. I have noticed a little sleep disturbance, but not too bad. Im just a couple weeks out so I dont know how long it will last.

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

the pain one day I felt after surgery, the pain meds were out of my system, and I felt the pain from the incision sites along with the air trapped in my chest, that was the worst day so far. I have noticed that it seems every other day right now, is one bad one is good.

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

I have physcolgist lead support group at the hospital I had my surgery at, that meets every week. Its very helpful and convient to have when you feel alone with this.

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

I have 7 incisions ranging from little dots to 3 inches cuts. I expected the small dot/slices, but I didnt expect the 3 inch long cut under my belly button.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at 7 days out until 14 days out, and then I lost 2 more pounds, I dont know about anymore yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ummm some seem friendly toward me, I seem to have more support than I could have ever imagined. I have more people thats curious than before as well.