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

A co-worker had the surgery and kept raving about it. It took me one year to make the decision and during that time I watched 5 more co-workers go through the surgery.

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

My insurance was very good. I got approval in 4 days. However, I played an active part with both the insurance and the Dr.

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

She scared me on the first meeting. Don't let first impressions be lasting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I committed with a friend to diet together for one year, from 11/00 to 11/01. We met weekly and had good fellowship with one another. At the end of the year, I was 4 pounds heavier than when I began. I became totally disgusted with myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the same procedure that my 6 co-workers had. It seemed to be working for them. It is the RNY.

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?

First, I was afraid I would not be able to enjoy food anymore. I went to support group meetings before surgery and found that to be helpful. I was also scared I would not wake up after surgery.

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?

At first my husband was scared and against it. Then the more he heard about it, the more comfortable he became. He was very supportive and so were my children. They are excited as they see me decrease in size.

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

I work for the school district and originally they wanted me to wait until summer. I was afraid if I waited, I would chicken out. So I had surgery over Christmas breaks and was off work a total of 3 weeks.

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 5 days. Most of the staff were very friendly. Bring your personal hygeine products and loose clothes to wear home.

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

I had extreme gas in the hospital and was given some meds. When I got home I had a problem with dehydration. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK.

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 totally amazed that the weight was coming off so easily. I have not had any anxiety problems, however I was and still am on Prozac.

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

Very tired. Expect to rest for the first two weeks.

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

About 150 miles. We had to stop to move around a few times on the way 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 followed the list exactly. I cannot tolerate milk and smoked salmon tends to make me ill. ExtremePurePro makes me violently ill. I seem to be able to eat a little more at this time. 4/27 will be 4 months.

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

For the first two weeks I mostly laid around, it was painful to move. By the third week I was back to work and at 6 weeks I could run the vaccuum.

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

I take B-12 every Monday. Multi-vitamins, iron, calcium, actigall, & protein drink on a daily basis. Stool softner a couple times a week, I use mineral oil.

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 is the worst. I still have nausea at times, but it is getting better.

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

Admitting I was MORBIDLY OBESE.

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

I attend a regular support group monthly. Use obesityhelp.com regularly, and talk with co-workers that have gone thru the surgery. It is extremely important to have support for this venture in life.

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

My scar is diminishing, I tend to scar very lightly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had a plateau, I did have one week when I lost only 1 pound, that was Easter and I cheated. I immediatley got back on the program and the weight loss resumed at my normal level of 3-4 pounds per week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My husband treats me differently.