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

Actually, the nurse at my doctor's office had the surgery almost three years ago. When I started to talk about doing it, my sisters had a fit, so I didn't do it then. When I decided to do it in 5/08, I felt really guilty but I didn't tell them until it was done.

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

I knew that going thru the insurance co. would be such a big hassle that I paid for it myself.

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

Dr. Mark Pleatman is my surgeon and he has an informational group session that you go to before your first meeting. He also has an extensive website that offers tons of info.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being on a gazillion diets.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At Dr. Pleatman's initial information session, he covers all of the options available and describes the pros and cons of each. The VSG just sounded like the least invasive and the fewest problems like malabsorption and leakage.

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 had no fears about the surgery, but I keep saying that the tummy tuck that I plan to have will be a "b_ _ _ _."

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?

Because of objections from my sisters 2 years ago, I didn't tell them until I had had the surgery. They had heard horror stories about people they knew that had the surgery, so they were afaid for me.

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

My employer has had the surgery herself so she and all my co-workers have been very supportive. I was out of work for 2 1/2 weeks, but could have gone back sooner.

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

I stayed in the hospital overnight and went home the next day. The nurses were attentive and friendly. I slept most of the time and as soon as they disconnected the morphine drip, I was more alert and ready to go home.

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

I was so fortunate not to have had any complications from my surgery. Although I didn't know it at the time, I was lucky to have had one of the best surgeons for VSG right in "my backyard." I have read that a lot of patients come from out of state to have Dr. Pleatman do their surgery.

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 had my surgery date set 3 weeks before my surgery. I was so excited to have the surgery, I had no anxious feelings, only relief that I was finally going to have the opportunity to finally lose the weight.

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

I, again, was fortunate to have had no complications & no pain. The first few days I did hold my surgery sites as instructed for aftercare, but no pain and I didn't require any pain medication. I was tired for the first week because any kind of anesthesia really knocks me out

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

I was lucky to have Dr. Pleatman so close. His office is about 15 minutes from my home.

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 am only 6 weeks after surgery, so I have been on a pretty bland, soft diet for the first 4 weeks. I have just recently begun eating eggs, tuna, and some fruit. Sure am looking forward to a more varied diet.

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

I have never been one to exercise, not because of my weight but because I don't like it, never have!! I have been walking about 30-60 minutes a day lately depending on how much time I have. That makes me feel like I am contributing to my weight loss and the opportunity I have been given to lose weight.

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

I have, for years, had a mild case of acid reflux that I have kept under control with Rolaids. I take a couple a day, so be careful not to get too much calcium. I also take a chewable multi vitamin. That is all that is required for VSG.

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 have truly been fortunate not to have had any of these problems. I assume that a VSG is less invasive than other surgeries, so maybe that is why I have been ok. I also think that the competency of my Dr. probably helped.

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

Paying for it.

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

Dr. Mark Pleatman has a nutritionist on staff to speak to at anytime. There is also a once a month support meeting for all of his patients to attend. Also, his staff is available to answer questions or whatever you may need.

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

I had laparoscopic surgery, so there are only 5 small incision sites that are healing fine. Everyone that I have shown them to has been amazed that they are so small.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far, but have only finished my 6th week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, too soon.