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

At first I was very leery because I had heard that people had died from the surgery. I thought that I would never allow myself to get that big so as to need this surgery.

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

Initially my insurance would not cover it but eventually they changed (thankfully). I had to meet certain requirements first. It was a fairly easy process. My advice would be to be specific about what you ask your insurance company, make sure you complete each requirement down to the last letter.

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

My first visit with the surgeon went well, she was very nice and straightforward about everything; she outlined everything that I needed to do and gave me a timeline. Unfortunately, I ended up having to use another surgeon in her group because I had scar tissue from previous surgeries so I had to be opened up and she only specialized in Laproscopic. So the Dr I ended up with was an excellent surgeon but unfortunately, had no bedside manner to speak of. Take time to ask questions!!!! Do research online, via books, etc and ask questions!!! If you are not comfortable with something, let them know and if they are not able to make you comfortable, follow your instincts and look for another surgeon. If you are comfortable doing so, take someone along for support.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was into my mid 40's and was starting to experience health issues. I could not walk up the steps with out having to stop and rest; I was having trouble finding clothes that fit. I think the main thing was the thought that I would not be around to see my kids grow, get married and have kids of their own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did my research and talked to different people and then discussed it with the surgeon.

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 had the fear that I would die on the table or that I would develop major complications. Due to religious beliefs I will not accept a blood transfusion and I was concerned about that as well. Fortunately, that was not necessary. My advice to anyone who has these fears is this, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! My husband and I attended seminars and found out that less than 1% die from this surgery; also you have to weigh the risks; if you have other health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc..what quality of life will you have? Each person is different; each one has to decide for themselves. Also, discuss with your family.

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 was very supportive from the start; most of my friends were as well, although, some of those 'friends' have not acted the same towards me since. I think I did a good job of keeping everyone informed. My husband and I sat the kids down and discussed it with them from the very start. After surgery, my family and friends were and still are very supportive for the most part.

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

My employer was very supportive as well. They even hooked me up so that I could work from home once the doctor ok'ed it which was good because I was going crazy!

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I am glad that my husband and I attended it because it answered a lot of our questions and allayed a lot of our fears.

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

It was good; I was there for 4 days. The people were great and very patient. The most important things are night gowns, robe, books, computer if you like, phone, and whatever else you like to do.

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

Fortunately, I had 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?

I felt sore. I didn't feel anxious really; just a bit nervous about starting to eat again.

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

During the first few weeks I just took it easy; my husband and kids made sure that I didn't do much of anything. After 2 weeks I was able to work from home which basically kept me sane. I would say expect to be sore and don't rush into doing things. Follow the directions from the doctor about what to eat, drink, etc.

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.

Right afterwards I could only drink liquids and eat soft foods like jello, eventually mashed potatoes and eggs (things like that). I did eat a lot of sugar free popsicles as well. To date no food has been off limits really. I am careful to eat high protein, low fat, low sugar foods. I am 2 years out and the only thing that affects me is if I do eat too much sugar, I get the shakes so I know I have had enough. I hope that never stops!

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

At first I didn't do much of anything except walk up the steps a couple of times a day. As time progressed, I started moving around the house a bit more. Eventually (after about 3 weeks) my husband and I were taking short walks around the block.

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

Vitamin B-12, Calcium, Multi Vitamins, Vitamin D

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 didn't really have any side effects to speak of. I did have some minor hair loss around 3-4 months out but that did not last long at all,maybe 1-2 months.

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

Trying to sleep when I came home. I had to use a pillow for balance. I felt like my insides were coming out! After about a week or so, I was back to sleeping normally.

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

I don't really have one; I did attend a few of the groups after surgery but they were too far away. I would recommend doing it if you can.

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

My scar goes down my stomach and it is not too bad right now; I did coat it with cocoa butter each night and still do.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Once in a great while I hit a stall where I didnt lose any weight but it ended up coming off again after about a week or so.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice that people treat me differently; some not for the better.