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

My husband suggested it for himself, and my initial impression was negative - thought it was too risky and not virtuous to lose weight the "easy" way

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

My insurance has been a breeze - am so fortunate - husband is a Teamster

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

Exciting, went by quickly - definitely write down questions to be sure you remember everything

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The more information I got about the health risks of obesity vs weight loss, and the encouraging long-term studies of WLS convinced me

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Started out interested in the band, but the longer term results seem to have a lot of people changing their minds - one study showed after 5 years, 25% had revised to another procedure or had the band removed, which seemed like a lot.

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 very much afraid of dying. leaving my family without me, etc. - basically, the stats told me I am more likely to leave them early due to weight than due to the surgery

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 was reluctant to tell people at first; everyone has responded well, although some have said they think it is extreme, and I could do it without the surgery

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

Very supportive; had in the summer, so it does not interfere at all with work (professor)

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

It was uneventful, except for a day with a really ill roommate. I was in 3 nights for an open RNY. I did not need most of what I brought - the hospital provided chapstick, etc. that had been recommended to me

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

None so far!

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 did feel anxious right before - felt unreal until it was only a week to go. I exercised and relied on family support to help, and did not overeat.

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

I am feeling tired, trying to keep up my exercise, and to adjust to my new life and eating habits. The most important thing was to try and free myself of responsibilities - tell husband he needs to plan and cook meals for himself, put away notice at work, and take time for myself to heal.

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

20-25 miles - not a significant problem for 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.

So far am on liquids only, and tolerating dairy and everything else well.

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

1/2 hour per day walking

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

multivitamin, B-12, benefiber

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?

None

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

Post-op pain was significant, but quickly improved

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

bimonthly meetings - moderately helpful

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

it's pretty good-sized, maybe 5 inches.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No