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

I found out about bariatric surgery 7 years ago. At first I didn't like the idea of it because I thought it was an easy fix to a serious problem.

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

Getting insurace approval was a difficult process. I had to "jump through a lot of hoops" before I was approved. The Dr's office was very helpful with collecting the information that was needed. The whole process took about 8 months, but I only had to submit it once before approval.

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

I was very nervous on my first visit with the surgeon. There was a lot of important information that was provided about the surgery, the Dr and testimonials (a video) of people who had successfully had the surgery done. You will get the most out of the first visit if you are prepared. Research your Dr and have questions ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The first visit with my Dr went extremely well. I trusted my Dr and his reputation which made me feel more comfortable about the risks associated with the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance company would not cover the lap band so that was the deciding factor.

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 have three children so I was worried about the complications and the risks of the surgery. At my pre-surgery weight I had several health complications and I was risking my life living that way. I am no longer on the medications that I was before and I am a happy, healthy person that can be there and do things with my children now.

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 did not tell my family at first, only my husband and kids knew about the surgery. This was a difficult decision for me to make, but I knew my mother would not be supportive. When my co-workers started to notice my weight loss I told them about the surgery. I was very surprised at their reaction and the support they have all given. Every month I see my surgeon and weigh-in. Everyone is excited to hear about my weight loss and how I am doing. My husband and kids have been great and they are happy that I am so healthy now. I did finally tell my family after 7 months. My father and sisters are happy with my progress. As for my mother... her reaction was actually worse than I had imagined. The look on her face when I told her was horrible and I will never forget what she said.

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

I ended up telling my managers and co-workers about the surgery about a month afterwords. We had all gone out to lunch and someone made a comment about the fact that I was only having a small portion of refried beans for lunch. I told them why...and since then they have been supportive and have made several comments on how great I look and how proud I should be. I was only out of work for two weeks.

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

The hospital and staff were nice. I stayed there for two nights and three days. I brought my own pillow, a robe and slippers.

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

No. Just intense pain the second night that was reduced with medication.

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 felt horrible. I craved chocolate the first few weeks, and I questioned why I had the surgery. I tried to stay positive. I kept telling myself things would get better. I would feel better and the results would be worth it.

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

I was depressed. I began to think about all of the foods that I wouldn't be able to eat, and I hated the strict diet I had to follow.

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

The hospital and my surgeon are about 30 minutes from my home and 10 minutes from my work. This has not affected my aftercare.

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 only eat things that contained less than 5 grams of sugar. If I ate or drank (protein shakes) that contained more than 5 grams I had the dumping syndrome. If I ate too fast or ate more than 1/4 cup I would feel sick and vomit. I learned very quickly that I had to follow very closely the foods that I should and should not eat (according to my Dr and Nutritionist), and to measure my foods if I wanted to avoid feeling/getting sick.

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

I tried to continue to walk, but most days I was really tiered and just wanted to sleep. This happened for the first few months and then my energy level increased after that.

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

I take calcium, iron, a multi-vitamin and sub-lingual vitamin B12.

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 dumping and the vomiting still persist when I do not follow the diet. This sugery continues to keep me on track with my diet... if I don't stay on track then I pay for it. The hair loss was the most difficult for me. I have long blonde hair and for a long time that was my best feature. My hair loss lasted 8 long weeks. My hair was every where, and after a while I started to think it would all fall out because it would come out in big clumps. My hair really thinned out, but I have new growth comming in and it is starting to feal fuller now.

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

Dealing with my emotions has been extremely difficult for me. For so long I had been "stuffing" my emotions with food that I had a hard time trying to figure out what I was really feeling inside. My husband would ask how I was doing or feeling and I would break down and cry because I couldn't comprehend/understand my emotions. I have spent a lot of time reflecting inward and trying to identify my true emotions and then deal with them without using food.

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

I see my surgen monthly and weigh-in. Any questions that I have I am able to ask. I also have a co-worker who had the surgery and we support each other.

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

I have 4 small scars around my abdomen. I used a vitamin E ointment that helped reduce the redness.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss was steady for the first 6 months losing 10 -12lbs per month. The last few months have been slower with about 5- 7lbs per months so I have had to increase my exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! Men open doors for me. People look at me and smile back at me. I have more confidence so I think that also affects the way people treat me.