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

My mother had bariatric surgery nearly 30 years ago. I was totally against it at the time and swore that I would never go that route, that I would never let myself get that large (hahahaha).

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

Being a state employee, last year was the first year that my insurance covered weight loss surgery. I knew for several months, that starting January 1st of 2007, my insurance would cover the surgery (under certain circumstances) so on January 2nd, I immediately applied for the program. My best advice... Be diligent and don't give up.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was wonderful. He immediately put me at ease (I was so nervous), answered all my questions, gave me a lot of information to ponder, and definitely made me feel that this was "do-able" and that we would be successful! I love my surgeon (and the whole Bariatric Team)!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that if I did not take drastic measures that I would not live much longer. I felt that this was my last chance as I have tried everything else with only limited success.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY Gastric Bypass was the only procedure covered by my insurance. However, this would have been my first choice anyway as I am not convinced that a lap band would have worked for me.

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?

The fears are normal. You are not being realistic if you don't go into this with a certain level of fear. However, my fear of dying without the surgery was even greater. If I was going to die or have complications, I wanted it to happen with my trying to do something about the problem rather than letting the problem win by default!

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?

The majority of my friends and family were supportive. There were a few who resisted and didn't want me to go down this path. I made it a point to respect their opinions but tried to surround myself on a regular basis only by those that were in complete support!

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

100% supportive. I work for a physician who actually approached me and suggested that I consider the surgery. When I stated that I had considered it and was going to apply for insurance coverage, my employer went out of her way to support me in every way she could.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days, 3 nights. The nurses were wonderful and worked so hard to make sure I was comfortable. The most important thing I found that I was grateful to have was my toothbrush and hairbrush!

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

Knock on wood, I had no complications.

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, yet excited. Everytime I would get anxious, I would remind myself how life changing this was going to be and tried to imagine myself a year down the road. The possibilities were so exciting that the temporary anxiety never seemed to last long.

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

The funny thing is that I don't remember very much about the first 4 weeks. I had such good support at home that I didn't really worry about anything and it wasn't until much much later that I would find out that I had visitors come to my house that I have no recollection of them being there. I must have been on some phenomenal pain medications!! :)

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

I live only about 13 miles from the hospital where I had surgery so it was relatively easy to obtain my aftercare.

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.

To this day (a year and a half post surgery) I still have a problem with bread, rice, noodles, and carbonated drinks. They always leave me feeling "clogged". I have found that my food tastes have drastically changed in addition. I would never before surgery eat spicy food or hot liquids (such as soup, coffee, even hot chocolate). Now I love these things - especially the hot soups.

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

The first couple of weeks was slow moving but after that my energy level just kept increasing and increasing the more weight I would lose. Now I feel like there isn't anything I can't do. As a matter of fact, I am planning on taking a motorcycle training course in the next month!!

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

Calcium and Vitamin D (both on a daily basis), along with a monthly Vitamin B12 injection.

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 worst for me was the hair loss. It started at about month 3 post-surgery and lasted until about month 6. Because I was so fortunate to not really have any other side effects, I figured that the hair loss was the least of what could have happened so I felt very fortunate. I did not worry about it too much (especially with everyone convincing me that I would not go bald!)

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

Having to admit to myself (and the world) that I was FAT (nearly 400 pounds) and that I needed help!

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

I have a monthly Bariatric Support Group that I attend at the hospital where I had my surgery. In addition, I have made several friends that have also had the surgery that I am constantly in contact with to both give and receive encouragement. My most appreciated support, however, is from my new husband of 5 months!

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

I have 7 very tiny (only about 1/2 inch each) scars. This is much better than I could have hoped for or expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently experiencing my third plateau, this latest one lasting about 2.5 months so far. I am not discouraged however as I am so excited that for the first time in my life I was able to get through all the holidays without gaining ANY weight. To have been able to maintain my weight feels totally thrilling and has made me feel positive about "now that the holidays are over - get to work" to get the last 10 pounds off!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is indescribeable the difference. It is so funny to me to notice how people treat me and react to me, especially those that have no idea that I used to be so heavy. I notice that I act differently around people too. I am more self assured and confident.