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

I have known about bariatric surgery for years, my cousing actually had the stomach stapling 20 years ago. I have wanted bariatric surgery for 8 years or maybe more. I was always looking into the surgery.

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

Even if you are turned down keep trying, it took me 4 years to get approval.

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

My first visit I was nervous, and I had questions and fears, so I discussed all those with Dr. Schumacher and he was very reassuring. I think before your initial visit you should always do your research on doctors, ask your family doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was so ready, I had been on every diet out there and I just wanted the surgery so bad I was obsessed with it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted something that was more permanent, I felt because of my weight and dealing with it all my life I wanted something that was more drastic.

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 was terrified, but I believed that what is meant to happens, happens. I just knew I was in the right frame of mind to have surgery. I felt like I had did all my homework on the surgery along with the doctor and I felt very sure of what I was about to do.

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 husband was scared but extremely supportive. My daughters were also very supportive. I talked to all of them about if something were to happen to me and I how I felt about my weight out weighing all the risks.

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

I work in a Social Services agency, so needless to say they were all very happy for me and supportive. I was off work for 8 weeks.

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

The hospital stay was okay, the staff was very nice and there were no problems with that part of the stay. You can not rest in the hospital, they were constantly monitoring me. I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days. I would say they had everything I needed at the hospital, I was in a bariatric wing.

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

I had 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?

Nervous, anxious, scared, and excited. I just talked a lot to family, coworkers about how I knew everything would be okay, because I was meant to have this surgery.

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

I was very glad to be home, I walked a lot, I never stayed in bed unless it was to sleep. I was afraid of blood clots. I was very tired but I slept when I was tired and walked when I was up.

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

Not far 10 miles.

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 liquids for the first 10 days, then a soft diet. After 3 months I started eating more solid foods. Most things have been protein, I was lactose intolerant before surgery and now it seems to be worse. Some of the protein drinks do not agree with me. I have no cravings at all anymore. I do not crave sugar nor do I drink caffein. I can eat regular meals with my family, I just eat very small portions, very small.

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

I walked and walked, I have been walking more and more and my feet and knees are not hurting like they used to before surgery.

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

one a day, flintstones, vitamin B12, vitamin C, Biotin, zink

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 only been sick twice in 6 months from food, it felt like it was just stuck so I decided to get rid of it. I had eaten Chicken both times, I did not chew it up enough. That is very important. I think I sleep better since surgery and don't need as much sleep. My hair started falling out about 2 months ago, my beautician said it is a good thing that I have lots of hair. Buy my doctor said it will stop right around 6 months.

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

I wish I would have had it sooner.

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

I had laposcopy surgery, so I had 5 small incisions, they are fading and they are not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had 1 plateau since surgery and I freaked out big time. I thought the surgery and all my efforts were failing. I plateaued for 2 weeks and those were the longest two weeks of my life.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, especially men, they talk to me more and treat me like I actually exist.