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

I had a friend who did a WLS and lost amazingly. Being fat all my life, It was like a ticket to slim freedom.

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

I was a cash patient. But in any circumstance, if you're going to go through surgery, pain, paying and long time life expectancies, make sure you find the procedure that is guaranteed to make you slim and keep you that way. A friend of mines and myself had the lap-band and ended up gaining back alot of weight. That was too much to pay for nothing.

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

I had Dr. Oria, and honestly he was a very nice and patient man. He did seem just a bit in a hurry with my initial visit, but in general, he is indeed a nice doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After being heavy all my life--I was abit desperate. And I had the cash. What else was there to wait for?

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The non-adjustable band was less health risky--and cheaper.

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 didn't think about any complications, but on dying, I figured, I was overweight, diabetic and only getting heavier. If I didn't die from the surgery, I was surely probably going to die from the way I already was.

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?

I only told my kids, and my sister. They understood my reasons for wanting to do this. I can almost say that I wouldn't do this type of surgery again, maybe something better than this, but it was ok. Everyone helped out.

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 self employed domestic engineer.

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

I stayed at Spring Branch Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas. It is the closest thing to heaven--angels and all. I couldn't ask for more in that place. everyone was always so caring.

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

Right after surgery I was throwing up, literally heaving. Thats abuot it. But not everyone has that. I helped out a few girls who came from out of town for the same surgery and not everyone got sick. Some were up and walking right away. I just started walking and showering, and it went away.

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

Like after any surgery, you're a bot slow for a few weeks just protecting the surgery site, but in general, I just felt good about finally doing something and waiting for the pounds to start dropping off.

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

Have lots of blankets and pillows to prop you up. It's easier to get out of bed that way. Have someone to come help out with cooking, and cleaning, especially if you have smaller kids, and simply remember you will be a bit slow and protective for a few weeks atleast.

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

I live here in Houston. 20-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 could pretty much eat anything, I just couldn't eat a whole lot. I never drank any carbonated drinks again. and if anything, the only food I really ever had some type of problem with is chinese food. don't know why.

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

right after surgery--stayed at home--and rested for atleast 2 weeks. after that slowly escalated to more. by a month, i was out and about.

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

At first just vitamins. then an energy booster, then green tea, and some other natural supplements.

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 thing I never liked was throwing up. whenever i ate too fast, or too much, or ate when i was under emotional distress, it came up. The answer is simple. Don't wait til you're starving to eat, take your time, and don't eat while you are emotionally destressed.

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

thrwoing up right after surgery, and gaining back 50 pounds 3 years later.

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

I'm not enlisted in any support group.

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

my scar is up and down, almost 2 inches, but very light. not what I expected, but it's ok.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

the only plateau was my losing the 100 pounds mark. never in my dreams did I ever think I would do that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, and no. I got many many complements before, when I was losing. even now, I still have a few. But after 3 years, its faded.