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

I had heard about it in the past on the news, but I saw a program on the Discovery Health Channel that profiled some people that had bypass and I started to investigate again.

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

Because I work in the insurance industry, I knew the value of documentation. I researched my policy carefully, kept notes of every phone call I made to them and made sure I had the names of who I talked to. Humana makes it as easy as they can, but it was still nerve-racking while waiting for a decision. Also, be sure to read the letter from your surgeon to make sure he/she is including as much information as possible. Don't accept a "form letter" Because I was somewhat of a lightweight--at 260 pounds--I was concerned about the approval and if I would qualify, but I kept trying.

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

My surgeon was very understanding, but also very busy. I made sure I had my questions written down and had researched on the obesityhelp.com site thoroughly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Chronic back pain, reflux, difficulty sleeping and a fear for my health. I had planned to change my insurance plan at work to one that covered WLS, but I got a new job and fortunately, it covered it if medically necessary.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was somewhat limited by the choice of surgeons on my plan that do WLS, so I consulted with one that did RNY and one that did BPD and compared.

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 decided to put it in God's hands. If I died, at least I was trying to do something positive with my life. I had the normal fears of anyone, but I have had surgery in the past and never had a problem. I just prayed that this time would be good, too.

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?

They were supportive, but concerned. They worried most about surgical complications, but still stood by me after I explained the risks and benefits.

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

They were positive--I work for Humana. I never hid the fact that I was having WLS. I had started on the process prior to taking my current job and was open about it in the interview. I took the 6 weeks allowed for the surgery, but I worked from home after 3 weeks and kept up with my emails that way.

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

It seemed fairly short,due to the pain medication. I was in for 4 days. I could have gone home after 3 days, but we were having an ice storm and no one could come get me! Bring a good attitude! Also, if you have never had surgery before, talk to the doctor about what to expect so that you are prepared. You can talk to friends, but you might get to hear their horror stories about Aunt Fanny's gall bladder operation that went bad.

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

No real complications. I took vitamins religiously prior to the surgery so that I would be in as good a shape as I could.

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 could hardly wait! I did the normal things, but made sure things were "in order" in case of the worst case scenario. I wrote letters to my children and family to tell them how I felt about them and what to do if something happened. Fortunately, everything was fine, but it did give me a chance to tell them how much I love them, something we don't often do enough of.

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

The first week or so, I was not a bit hungry and had to struggle to get in my protein. Later, I experimented with tiny bites of food to see how it was tolerated. I was tired, but tried to get up several times a day and travel from bed to couch and back.

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

Only about 20 miles.

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.

No sugar--none. Well, for the first 6 months or so. I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't. I thought I would die without chocolate, but I didn't and I really didn't care. The weight came off and seeing it go away was the best reinforcement I could ask for. The first few weeks taught me that if you think you might be full, then just stop. One more bite could make you miserably full for several hours. Having the BPD, sugar is my biggest nemesis since it can cause terrible gas.

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

Limited for the first 2, then gradually increasing till I was pretty normal after 6 weeks. Still a little tender on the incision site, but not much.

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

I take 2 womens mega vitamins and 2 calcium supplements daily

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 part was not being able to sleep on my stomach for a long time. My hair loss was moderate--no one really noticed except me and my hairbrush. Hair loss started at about 4 months out and now at a year is pretty much back to normal. I never had much real vomiting, just some episodes of being "really full"

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

The bowel prep prior to surgery!

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

My surgeon has his own support group that meets monthly. It was helpful just to see that my problems were not unique. It helped to see those other people that had been successful, it made it easier to keep going.

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

My scar is a vertical scar from belly button up to my ribcage. It healed well. It has since been redone due to my tummy tuck.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At about 6 months, I didn't lose anything significant for about 8 weeks. I finally began to lose again, but more slowly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I have become a "poster child" for WLS