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

I worked with several people that had bariatric surgery and were a success. I had been toying with the idea of having it until my primary care doctor asked me if I ever thought of it and wanted to know if I would go for a consult. Best thing I ever did.

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

Working for the state that I live in I have government insurance. I was approved after the first letter was submitted. I was also not required, by my insurance company, to lose a certain percentange of weight prior to surgery which some insurance companies do.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon went great. You need to go into the meeting with a positive attitude. Remember--you are here because you have tried diet and exercise and now need help surgically to lose weight. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my surgeon said "When can we do your surgery!"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice. My surgeon only does gastric bypass.

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 really didn't have fears about complications. I was mostly concerned about my eating habits after. As for dying from surgery, every type of surgery carries risks. It's a chance that you have to take.

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 surprised at first but then very supportive before and after the surgery.

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

My supervisor said I was nuts. I just told her that I'am having gastric bypass. I was out of work 6 weeks. But each person recovers differently.

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

I was only in the hospital for 2 days. My surgery was done laparoscopically. Had it been open it my stay may have been longer. Bring a bathrobe because the hospital gowns only cover so much of your body. A book to read.

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

I developed a PE (Pulmonary Embolism) 2 weeks after surgery. I have a history of blood clots after surgery so this was no surprise. I was back in the hospital for 2 days. I am on a blood thinner now for 6 months to 1 year.

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

Very tired. My body was used to getting 2000+ calories a day and I was down to approximately 500 a day. I really didn't have any anxiety.

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

I was very tired. Still had some pain. Take it easy and don't push yourself. Rest often.

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

The hospital that I had my surgery is about 1 hour away. When I developed the Pulmonary Embolism, my surgeon wanted me to drive 1 hour with chest pain and shortness of breath so that I could go to the ER at the hospital where I had the surgery. I told him NO!! I went to a local hospital and they were in contact with him. As for follow-ups in his office, I really don't mind driving, which is near the hospital.

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 week after surgery was just liquids. Water, diluted juice, sugar-free popsicles and jello. The second week I graduated to yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, loose mashed potatoes. I am 3 months post op and eating normal foods. I still have a hard time with steak but I am eating chicken and ham. I have a hard time digesting some milk products.

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

My activity level has greatly increased. I even bought a bicycle. I haven't rode one in about 15 years!!

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

Multi vitamin (chewable), Calcium (chewable) and a B-Complex vitamin.

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 get sick every so often. I think if I eat to fast. I also can't drink while eating. I get dumping syndrome once in awhile. I tend to stay away from milk products to control that. As for the vomiting, I eat slower. I have never had hair loss or sleep disturbance.

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

The gas pain!!! Since it was done lap, I had so much carbon dioxide in my belly. Took about a week to get rid of.

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

I haven't been to any support programs all though I want to. This is very important for those that have had the surgery and those that will have the surgery. We can help each other cope.

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

I have 6 2" scars, because my surgery was done laparoscopically. I am very please with my scars. The stitches were on the inside and the incisions were covered with dermabond so I could take a shower.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went to buy clothes the other day, and I am down to a pant size 24. I started at 32. Yahoooooooo!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I am treated the same.