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

My daughter's therapist recomended it. I was extremely excited about the possible results.

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

I had no trouble with my insurance. My doctor and I did try several exercise/diet options first, but after that, my insurance approved me immediately.

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

It was an educational seminar with about 30 other candidates.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to lose this weight, and this seemed like the best option for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance only paid for RNY at the time of my surgery.

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 didn't have any fears. I'd had several previous surgies with no problems.

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 not happy at first. My dad's a radiologist, so he only saw the bad side. Now, they fully support my decision since they see the good results.

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

They didn't say much. I only missed 1 & 1/2 weeks of work and a few office visit times.

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

I was in for one full night and most of the next day. The nurses were very helpful and friendly.

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

No complications, but my feeding tube never got comfortable.

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 was excited, not scared. I only had about 2 weeks once approved before I had my surgery.

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

I was weak until my body adjusted to the change in diet. After the first week, I started having more energy and could already see the weight coming off.

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

2 hours. I see my primary care doctor for all my follow-up care.

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.

All sugar is gone. I was only liquids for one month, and soft-solids for the second month. Now, I'm fine with anything except too much sugar.

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

Limited activity until my feeding tube was removed 5 weeks after surgery. At two months, I started really exercising.

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

I take multi-vitimins, calcium, B vitimins, and iron.

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 was very lucky and didn't really experience any of this.

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

The feeding tube that I had to have for 5 weeks because my doctor required it.

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

I attend a monthly support group. My husband is extremely supportive. I'm glad I have people to talk to about frustrations.

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

I have laproscopic scars. My previous surgies did more damage to my stomach that this one.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm stuck at 115 lost. No matter what I do, I can't seem to break that. I believe it is mostly related to excess skin on my stomach.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. Strangers are way more friendly to me. People don't seem scared to talk to me.