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

I heard about it years ago, and at first I thought, NO WAY. I can do this myself, I don't want to take the easy way out. And so many complications. Now, I'm ready to take control and I know the surgery will help me do that.

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

My experience was wonderful, thanks to my surgeon's office. At my first appointment, I was given a specific list of exactly what my insurance company required, and with what my surgeon required. I pulled everything together, and followed the list religiously, and when it came time to file for approval, I got it back in 48 hours.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was wonderful. He was very informative and very open and made me feel at ease. I recommend people research as much as they can on their own, and gather their list of questions ahead of time. Take that list with you!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I need to. My health depends on it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Testimonials, recommendations from my doctors, lots of reading, and tons of time on OH!

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 had fears about complications, but I spoke to my doctor about them openly and honestly.

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 and friends are very supportive. I wouldn't have done anything differently.

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

My employer and co-workers were terribly supportive and wonderful.

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 overnight. My stay was ok, although I don't feel as if they got me up to walk me enough.

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

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?

Excited, anxious

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

The first week was rough - I was tired a lot and in pain...after the 7th day I felt really good and recouperated quickly

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

15 minutes

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 can't eat sugar, or sugar alcohols...most everything else I can tolerate

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

The first week my activity level was low, but now I'm walking every day and feel a lot of energy

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

Multi-vitamin, Calcium, Magnesium, B12, Iron

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'm still nauseated once in a while, but so far no side effects. I don't know if I dump because I haven't tested that.

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

The first week after surgery.

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

I attend the Bariatric Clinic's support group once a month and have developed a support group of friends here on OH. They are VERY important to me!

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

They are very tiny and will hardly be noticable when they fade. I expected this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weeks three and four stalled, but I'm losing steadily now at 2 months out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.