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

My primary care physician asked me to consider it six years before I actually did it. I first said no after going to a class to learn about it. I felt it was too drastic and scarey. I felt I could get the weight off by myself and keep it off. I have yo yo'd my whole life. I always felt like such a failure. After six more years of trying to take the weight off myself...I realized I needed help.

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

The insurance denied me at first. I could understand why they would, yet I appealed. They needed to understand my life long battle. I had run out of options. I could not do this by myself. I didnt want to die. I do believe WLS should be a last resort and many people think it's a quick fix. It really isnt. It sure does help those of us who always tried getting the weight off.

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

It was good. My surgeon was very informative. I had no idea there are like five different types of WLS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt I was dying. It was like someone had thrown a life preserver to me...I could either take it and swim or stay afraid and die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon helped me decide by taking into consideration my lifestyle of eating. He told me what would work best for me.

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 very afraid when I first learned about WLS. It took me a long time of investigating and learning about WLS before I felt I was ready. I was afraid of dying. I finally agreed to have the surgery because I felt I was going to die soon if I didn't have the surgery. I did not feel well anymore. I realized fear could kill me too. Things I worried about before surgery were what if things went bad and I wouldnt be able to eat at all? Malabsorption is a big concern too. My advice to others would be, WLS should be considered as a last resort. It is a very personal choice and you cant go by what works for someone and what doesnt. You have to weigh the risks v.s. the good that could come out of it. You will know deep down if you are ready to take the risk. Learn all you can about it beforehand. I think the people who are most happiest from the end results are the ones who were in such bad shape. You have to hit rock bottom before you understand what I mean.

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 (6 years prior) they were afraid for me. They did not want me to consider WLS. Then when I decided to go thru the surgery, they were very supportive. I was not looking very well anymore and they feared losing me thru death moreso than having the surgery. They also could see I had run out of options. They witnessed the repeated attempts to lose and keep the weight off and lose the battle. At the time of deciding for sure to have the surgery they were very supportive and helped keep me from backing out because of fear.

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

My employer's HR Manager was supportive yet concerned that I make sure I learn all the facts first and the risks. It is a major life style change and she needed to make sure I had researched all areas before deciding. My employer has been very supportive. They see now how wonderful it has been for me. They know I did the right thing.I was out of work for 4 weeks. I have to honestly say you need that much time off work before you feel healed enough on the inside and half the energy to work.

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

My hospital stay was good. Everyone was very informative, helpful, and encouraging. I had surgery on a Tuesday and went home the following Thursday. Bring a bathrobe and slippers so you can get your walking in. Lip gloss and a fan are good too.

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?

I felt I needed rest. I followed the doctors orders in eating and walking. I had maybe three episodes totol of having trouble with eating after I progressed to the soft mechanical food stage. I later learned it was the size of my bites that were not small enough. Talk with your Nutritionist about any food concerns. He/She is so helpful.

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

You will not be hungry. You will be tired and should rest. Relax and don't worry. If there is anything unusual, contact your surgeon's office.

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

It was a one hour commute one way. I do have to schedule vacation time to do follow up appointments because of my job. Something I didnt know before the surgery was there are not that many appointments like I had thought, so that is good! I was afraid it would be a life of always at the doctors office. It isnt. I have my life back. Life is good!

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 different stages of eating. When I got to soft mechanical stage I had a few epiosodes of vomiting because I was taking too big of bites. Once I learned that was why, it solved the problem. Some reheated foods were a problem because of becoming dried out or tough after reheating. I have to honestly say I havent felt anything is off limits. I have chosen not to try soda because of the carbination. Sugar is limited. I think the soft bread and some denser meats might give me the feeling of getting stuck in the pouch but its on rare occasion.

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

Your activity level isnt much until after six weeks I think. The energy doesnt start until after four weeks. I did get out and walk daily from the time I got home from the hospital. I knew it was important and helped prevent blood clots. Plus it was good for the mental stimulation from fresh air and sunshine.

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

For the first three months I took chewable vitamins and chewable calcium supplements. Now I take regular Centrum vitamins and Calcium Citrate. I also take Biotin for my skin and hair. After six month lab work I found I was deficient in vitamin D and in Iron. I now take additional supplements for those.

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?

The worst side effect for me has been hair loss. It started at about five months out. Now it stopped and the hair is growing in. It is only about a half inch long . I refuse to wear a wig. I am told the hair loss is temporary and I am waiting it out.

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

The loose skin. The not knowing if it will present a problem or not.The hair loss.

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

I attend a monthly WLS support group. I had actually started attending the group six months prior to surgery. It is very helpful and very important.

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

I have seven little scars from having the surgery done laproscopic. My diseased gall bladder was removed at the same time as the WLS. It is amazing they were able to do all they did with such little scars. It was better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit many plateaus. My weight loss is very slow now. I am 8 months out now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People are amazed at how good I look and how my coloring has improved. They say I am happier now. Strangers seem to treat me better.