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

I had heard about and seen others who had it. I was very excited, however, I did not realize it would be within my reach.

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

There was a little delay at first because of miscommunication with the hospital that was handling it. My surgeon told me he would personally get me approved. Once the surgeon's office submitted all the appropriate information (the day after I saw him), I received approval the next business day.

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

My first visit was very encouraging and exciting. My surgeon looked over my paperwork and we talked about the procedure and risks involved.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension) and my neurologist suggested the surgery as a way to bring my weight down quickly and relieve the pressure in my optic nerves to avoid vision loss.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed a large weightloss, quickly, so bypass was the obvious choice for me. I also was not so confident in having a foreign body inserted, with the thought that there could be rejection and I would have it removed later. i would be devistated.

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 no fears whatsoever. My family was more nervous than I was. I never had any reservations about the surgery.

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 has been very supportive since my surgery. My father was nervous before the surgery and had heard about many people who have gained the weight back, so he was more reluctant...took longer to come around. I think people need to understand that for those of us who are extremely obese, the risks of obesity far outweight the risks of surgery.

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

My supervisor was extremely supportive. I took one week off of work, however, she tried to give me more time to recover. I work from a home office and did not require more time.

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

My first seminar, which was given at the hospital I wanted to have my surgery done, was very informative and encouraging. I would recommend everyone attend a seminar that can explain all procedure choices. I was extremely glad I attended.

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

My hospital stay was not bad. I felt awful for the first 24 hours, of course, but my caregivers were second to none. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights after my surgery. I think a robe to cover yourself during many laps of walking the halls would be the most important thing to bring. Other than that, I had really overpacked and did not need anything. The hospital was very good about making sure I had absolutely anything I needed.

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

The only complication I had was a reaction to the blood thinner used during my surgery. I had a problem with vomiting blood for about 12 hours or so after surgery. Staff called my surgeon during the night, he stopped that medication, and I was fine the next evening. Since I could not take blood thinners after surgery, I had to walk more frequently to avoid blood clots.

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 just very excited about getting my surgery done before the insurance company could change their mind. I had my surgery 3 weeks after insurance approval.

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

Just pay attention to how much less food seems important. That did not last long with me and I felt addicted to food again, but that was short lived. I think it is important to take time for yourself, especially when eating, and really listen to what your body is telling you.

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

I traveled about 170 miles to have my surgery. Because I was traveling home by car, we had to stop every 30 minutes so I could walk for 15 minutes, to assure I did not get blodo clots. It has not affected my after care. I drive back and forth to see my surgeon.

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 remember scrambled egg being one of the first things I ate, and pintos and cheese from Taco Bell. I have had very good tolerance to almost everything I have eaten (not necessarily a blessing). I really have to limit fast food because, as healthy as something soudns, fast food has so many hidden calories, fat, and sodium. I went through a period where I was a bit preoccupied with food (the food addict in me). Now, 5 months out, I would rather just grab a piece of chicken from the fridge and call it dinner.

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

I was very active from the day I was released from the hospital. I walked quite a bit, did house chores, and ran errands. I started to work out with a personal trainer at a gym 2 weeks postoperatively, limiting anything that worked my core muscles.

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

I take 2 multivitamins per day, which contain a B-complex. I also take calcium with vitamin D...alot of it.

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?

My worst side effect, by far, has been hair loss. I started to lose hair right at 3 months postop and I am still losing it today (5 months postop), but it has slowed considerably in the last week.

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

The anticipation...waiting to submit all information and to get insurance approval. Also, the 2-week liquid diet for shrinking the liver is probably the "hungriest" 2 weeks of an obese person's life. It was hard to know that I could not eat things for the last time, but it was well worth it!

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

I attend a monthly support group locally with a wonderful group of individuals, and sometimes a second support group when time permits. It is very, very encouraging, informative, and motivating. I cannot imagine not attending a support group...I think it should be a requirement.

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

I have 5 very small scars, some that barely show now. Yes, I was explained what they would look like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been hitting plateaus since about 6 weeks postop. I lose rapidly for a short period and then stay the same for a while. My surgeon said it is good for my body to plateau. I also realized recently that I was taking in more food than I needed to fill my pouch, so I was actually overeating and slowing my weightloss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I do notice more people talk to me in public places, but that may not be as much from me looking different as it is because I have renewed confidence and am more outgoing and friendly.