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

I went to a specialist about my constant heartburn and after trying several methods, he said there was nothing else that he could do for me except refer me to a surgeon. When I went to the surgeon, he explained the weight loss surgery to me and said it would also take care of my acid reflux.

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

I have Tricare and see military doctors. They took care of the paperwork and approval. I never once had to speak to my insurance company about this.

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

My surgeon was great. After the first meeting with him, I had to attend classes on nutrition, support group meetings and information meetings on this surgery. I was well informed. I would suggest writing down all of your questions and ask them when you see your doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I thought about this a lot. I decided that with my health problems, I would not live a long life if I did not have the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon decided on the safest way and I fully trusted him.

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 scared. After all this is major surgery. But I prayed, and then I wrore letters to my loved ones in case anything happened and I had a will drawn up. I then decided that if it was my time to go, I would go no matter where I was, including the O.R.

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 have been behind me the whole way. They've been very supportive with the moral.

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

I am a student taking online classes so I worked ahead of my school schedule and was prepared enough to take a week off after surgery.

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

My surgery was on a Wednesday morning. I went in at 5:30 am Wednesday, after fasting for 5 days. They did surgery and from there I went to the step down unit. I stayed there until Thursday afternoon and then was moved to a room. On Friday afternoon, I went home.

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

No complications at all!!!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After getting my surgery date, I started eating everything in sight because I was afraid that I would never have that again.

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

I am only 2 weeks post op but my emotions were like a roller coaster the first week. I thought to myself, what have I done? But as the weight starts coming off, you realize that you did a good thing. You don't live to eat anymore but you have to eat in order to stay alive.

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

I only had to go about 20 miles to the hospital where they did the surgery.

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.

As I said I am only 2 weeks out but sugar is a big no no. Protein is a must!!!! I drink Unjury with Carb Countdown and get 32 g of protein per serving.

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

Week 1 was not a big activity week for me, although I did go to Lowes and KMart 3 days after being released from the hospital. You have to walk as much as possible.

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

So far, I am taking Multi Vitamins, B12. I will start my Calcium and probably my Iron on the 3 week visit.

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 only nausia I have had was when I tried Chocolate Carb Countdown instead of the regular. I was a big chocoholic before surgery and now the thought of it makes me sick.

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

The worst part of the process? hmmmm, Probably all of the chewing you have to do with your food. I never realized that I didn't chew my food properly before surgery.

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

Our support group meets at the hospital at 7 pm on the first Thursday of every month. We also have a yahoo group to post on.

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

I have small incision scars that will fade in time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far, I have been averaging a loss of 1 pound per day. But I am only 2 weeks out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but its too soon. I do feel a bit more confident when I go out now.