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

I had heard of it before, but i had no idea that insurance would actually cover it. I never had a regular doctor before, but i began having health problems and decided to go to a different doctor for a physical. She suggested it to me and i was very excited. I immediately began researching it.

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

I was denied at first because I did not have proof of all the needed info. Just make sure that you call your insurance company and have everything that you need, if not more.

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

The first visit was a group meeting. We found out aabout the surgery and got a chance to ask any questions. Make sure you research the surgery first and have some questions that you may want to ask written down.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found out that my insurance does pay for it and then I applied for approval and was finally approved. I knew then that it was definately for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided which procedure would be best 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?

I was so afraid that I would die and leave my son to be an orphan. I just spoke with different people who had had the surgery done and they assured me that it is normal to be nervous. I just trusted in God and my surgeon that things would be ok.

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?

Everyone for the most part were so supportive. I do have one "friend" who took it upon herself to tell everyone that I would be having the surgery. It should have been my choice to tell them. I think she is just jealous, because she has not had hardly enything to do with me since the surgery. She needs the surgery, but does want to do it at this time. I just wish she had not taken her frustations out on our friendship.

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

They had questions at first, then they were very supportive. I told them the truth and tried to explain the surgery to them. I was out of work for 2 weeks. I was so ready to go back.

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

My stay in the hospital was pretty good. I went in for surgery on a Thursday and came home on sunday. The most important things that I brought were SOFTLIPS lip balm, a calling card, robe and slippers. I did not really use anything else.

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

I did not have any real complications from the surgery. I just had one problem. I was not in much pain after the frist day, so I did not ask for any pain meds. Well I was not breathing good and it is very important that you breath good into the machine thingey. I spoke with one of the nurses and we figured out what it was. Once I had pain medication, it was much easier to breathe since it did not hurt. I did just fine after that.

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

I slept a lot. I rested as much as I could. I made sure to walk as much as possible. It was so hot, that I mostly just walked indoors. I got so bored. I was able to sleep on my bed from day one, with extra pillows. It only hurt to get up or down from lying or sitting. I had family members to come and straighten up the house for me.

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

The hospital was 3 1/2 hours away. I just had to be sure to stop every 45 mins or so and walk, so as not to get a blood clot on the way home and for any visit back there for the next 3 months.

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.

The first few days at home I was only allowed s/f jello and broth. I became so sick of those foods, I still gag when I smell them. I moved on to cream soups (strained). After my first visit at 2 weeks, I was told that I could have pureed foods. That was a little better. At least I have more choices now. I am able to tolerate milk products fine.

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

I rested as much as I could the first 2 weeks after surgery. I am still very tired. I started back to work after 2 weeks and 3 days. I have a desk job and it has been fine.

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

I take a chewable prenatal vitamin, sublingual B12 and 2 tums for calcium.

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 not had any side effects. I think the hair loss is just now starting (3 months out). I hope I don't lose it all. I am just so happy aabout the surgery.

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

I attend a local support group that has been just great. I learn alot.

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

I have 6 little holes or cuts that are healing nicely. some of the tape that was over one of my incisions, actually pulled off some of my skin, so I have a bigger scar from that than the incision.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About 2 weeks after surgery I quit losing weight for a short time, but as soon as I started eating I started losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I notice people pay more attention to me now. But I remember how they treated me before. I have a good friend who is also obese. Since the day of surgery, she has not had hardly anything to do with me. I sense that she is jealous. I have been calling and talking to her, but she seems uninterested. I think I am going to just break all ties with her.