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

I researched it heavily on the internet. I was nervous about going under anesthesia, but realized I was a candidate in EVERY way, which was good for insurance but sad reality for me. I found my Dr and felt very comfortable with him, staff and the Hosptial, Broward Medical was amazing.

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

It was kind of easy for me (since I qualified in EVERY area almost!) Documentation is key. I had records of my struggles with weightloss and gathered it quickly and submitted, I was approved in 3 weeks.

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

Informative and eye-opening education. Ask questions - as many as you can. (I had taken an index card with my questions on it so I would not forget anything important).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was approved, I had the time off, my husband was surprised, but supported me. I was adamant to live the "2nd half" of my life as a healthy and fit person, spouse and parent. I had been fit most of my life. After birthing 2 children, my weight gain had taken over. I was ready for my "life" back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I weighed the pros and cons of choices. I wanted a permanent lifestyle change. I am happy with my choice 100%

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 actually did not have any fears. I was more afraid of what would happen to me if I DIDN't have the surgery. I was eager and educated about the process. It's not easy, don't get me wrong, I kept quoting the Song by COLDPLAY THE SCIENTIST: "No one said it would be easy, but nobody ever said it would be this hard" I kept that song in my head from post op day one almost to now!

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 am very private, only my husband and one friend know. My family still does not know to this day. I would not have communicated anything differently. I have completely changed my exercise and nutrition. Basically, I eat less and work out regularly. They have NO idea I had surgery. They are supportive, but again, they just saw the transformation of my lifestyle, not the surgery.

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

No one at my work knows what I had done. I was out of work for about 10 days. I had vacation and no one knew at all.

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

It was good, but I had done so much research, I already knew 99% of what they covered. I was very educated about the entire process. I think it's important for most people to go to the informational. But, again, I did alot of research myself.

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

Fantastic, Broward Medical has a great program for Bariatric Surgery patients. I was in good hands. Very caring and compassionate. I was there about 3 days. The most important thing to bring: Makeup, dry hair shampoo, music. :)

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

No complications whatsoever. I was very fortunate. In the beginning, it was about learning to eat small liquid / soft foods slowly and appreciating every bite of protein. I took small steps everyday to figure out what I could eat. All was good for me.

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 to get it done and move on! I felt confident and strong. No anxiety at all.

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

I was tired for sure! But, I took it slow the first 5-7 days. Then I started walking around the house, then the neighborhood and then started feeling better after 8-10 days. I went back to work in 10 days and it was fine. I just ate alot less, and of course alot of soups! Most people didn't even notice I was not eating bigger salads or a sandwich.

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

About 15 miles to home. Not far, my husband drove me. It was local and easy for me.

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.

Week 1-4 Ate soup, chicken salad (from canned chicken breast w/ 1 Tbls low fat mayo), a few crackers, almonds (very well chewed) egg salad or scrambled eggs. Little bit of peanut butter (Tbls per day). Water. I completely cut out all red meat, bread and sugars. I will once in a while have a bite of bread or a BITE of a dessert. But do not eat them hardly ever. This has been a constant since surgery. I can drink while eating, but sparingly. I usually drink BEFORE I eat. I can wait about 20 minutes after I eat and drink more water. I do not drink ANY soda's, EVER. I drink Water, Tea that's about it. I cannot tolerate alcohol well. So I stopped drinking any cocktails. I can have a glass or 2 of wine once in a while or beer, but not much. It goes right to my head. I run alot now, so alcohol and fitness really don't go together. You have to be energized and ready to go every day! I eat pretty much what I want now, but I do not eat fast food of any kind. I get a salad when my kids want chicken nuggets or a burger. I cannot eat a burger and fries even if I wanted to. It makes me nauseous to even smell it! I do not miss red meat. I eat alot of fish and chicken and vegetables. I love veggie plates!

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

Slow at first. Then my doctor said "you got to move your body every day to lose the weight" I began walking, then longer then running. I run now about 30 miles a week. In the last 3 months I have run 2 1/2 Marathons and am about to run a 3rd in April (12 months post op). I have lost 96 lbs and weigh 147 lbs. Very happy.

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

I was not regimented in the vitamin area, I will be honest. I think as a result, I experienced more hair loss. (my own fault!) I am taking a chewable multivitamin, iron and a vitamin b (sublingual) every day. It is helping. I eat my protein and drink a supplement once in a while. I am more focused on my vitamins now! It is important! My levels are normal at last bloodwork - 2 weeks ago.

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?

Nausea in the beginning with anything sugary. Hair loss started 5 months ago and is at it's worst now. But I am growing new hair and am managing it better with nutrition. I went to a hair therapy specialist and she is treating my scalp and hair growth process. It is getting better. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS and EAT YOUR PROTEIN properly and this may not happen to others!!

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

Of course the post op pain, a bit of nausea. The first bowel movement is scary. But, you persevere and you will get through it! I don't like the little "bullet" hole scars from the laparoscopy incisions, but they are fading. The loose skin bothers me, but it's not THAT bad either, I am doing my best to stay fit and hopefully my muscle tone will continue to improve. The elasticity of my skin is OKAY, but not like when I was in my 20's and 30's! I am 46 now so i expected a bit of that.

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

I must say, I do not have one other than forums online. I relocated after my surgery and while I believe it is important, it is what you make of your resources whether in person or online. The online information I read and review (and also contribute) is of value to me.

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

Scarring is minimal because I had my surgical procedure as Laparoscopy. 5 tiny incisions, can barely see them now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Very little plateau periods. The running has helped with that. I stay active and do not deprive myself of healthy food.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Unfortunately, people are attracted to me now because of my physcial appearance. I felt isolated for many years while overweight. I get alot more attention (as I had before when i was younger and physcially fit) than I had when obesely overweight. I always say hello to women I see who are obese when I am running by....if they only knew I used to be like them. I always encourage other obese runners when I see them at a 5k race struggling to breathe much less run. I root them on! I know a little bit of encouragement helps.