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

Had heard about it for years, but by checking the internet and finding the new lap roux-en-y procedure I felt it was something I would want. I was not convinced the old stomach stapling procedure was truly effective.

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

I had absolutely no trouble getting approval, so I have no advice to give.

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

I was so consumed with worry about not being approved for the surgery because of my age (I was 59), that I didn't hear a word he said, I just told him to give me a date for the surgery and I'd self pay if I had to. So I really didn't get much out of it, but that was totally my fault. He even drew a picture of what the surgery was going to be. I remamber none of that.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just knowing it was available.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Checking the internet and getting views from people who've had various types of weight loss 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 had not one single moment of fear. That's probably unusual. But I certainly have encouraged others to have the surgery and not to fear it.

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?

Everyone was VERY supportive. Couldn't have been better. One of my daughters was a little worried about it but when she saw my confidence and that I had checked out the surgery beforehand she supported me.

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

I told everyone I was having the surgery and everyone was very supportive. I was out of work for four weeks and I feel I needed that much time because I was tired from the anesthesia. That was the only side effect I had from the surgery. There was no pain after four days.

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

I was in the hospital for three days. Each time I asked for pain medication I was asked to rate my degree of pain between 1-10, 10 being the worst. I never got above 5. Just bring loose clothing to wear home, and if you live a distance from the hospital, make sure you bring something to drink on the drive home.

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

No complications.

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 very tired after surgery, but was told that was normal because of the anesthesia. Within 6 weeks I was completely back to normal.

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

Very tired.

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

I had to travel an hour and a half to my surgery location. The only problem I had was not taking something to drink on my drive home from the hospital. My mouth was so dry it felt like cotton.

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 was on a liquid diet for 10 days. That was hard. No sugar no fat Fudgesicles made it tolerable. The next few weeks I was on a soft diet and subsisted on creamed corn, Mary Kitchen's canned corned beef (haven't eaten it since, by the way) and no-sugar Jell-O. After a couple months, I was gradually able to eat almost anything, although it took about a year to be able to tolerate fats without dumping. It's now 5-1/2 years post-op and I can eat anything and everything. Life is wonderful!

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

I went back to work after six weeks, but really could have returned sooner. I was tired for a couple months post-op, but that was a minor inconvenience, because as the weight came off, I gained a whole lot of energy.

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

Multivitamins and iron pills

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 so far.

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

Waiting for approval to have it done.

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

We have a WLS group and it has been immensely helpful meeting with other post-ops and learning what to expect. Even got some good information as to the plastic surgeon to see for a tummy tuck that would be approved by insurance.

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

Tiny scars. At one-year post-op I can't even find two of the five incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not losing weight as fast as I thought I would, even though I'm eating less than I'm supposed to.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely.