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

I had two friends that had it. i was scared. It took me two years after they had it before I was ready.

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

Oh my goodness. I was on the table ready to go. They were just about to wheel me in and then my insurance called and backed out. It was the most heart breaking experience of my life. I'm pretty sure I threw up on my surgeon. Sorry Dr. Holover!. It took me a year of trying, appealing, going to a dietician and an extra 40lbs from all the stress to get them to say yes... My advice make sure you have approval before you get to the hospital.

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

He was great. He explained everything. I had already done the research, it was mostly my father that needed the convincing.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt backed into a corner. No other options. I had stopped menstrating for almost 9 months, my doctor said it was mostly because your body couldnt sustained a child. Granted I wasnt ready to have children but the thought that I was so big that I was limiting myself to what I could accomplish in life was enough. I was done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Sorry to say. I had the Roux-en-Y because the band scared the hell out of me. Having something foreign was not for me. I also heard stories that turned me off of it.

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 didn't. I couldnt live the way I was anymore. Don't take that the wrong way, I was never suicidal but I said to myself...If I'm going to die, its not because I'm gonna have a heart attack from being so big, or from any other comorbidity. I'm gonna go fighting for what I want. Im gonna go bettering myself.

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 parents were scared. My friends were behind me. Some of my friends were supportive, some I'm sure had things to say when I wasnt around. One slept with my boyfriend...Things like this in your life help you weed out who really matters.

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

I wasn't working at that point. I was between semesters at college.

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

I think it was ok, to be honest, through all the meds and because I slept so much I dont really remember. The only thing I didnt like was that before you go home, they make some nurse give you a sponge bath...ick.

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

I had some trouble breathing. Not sure why, that wasnt a big deal though. I used oxygen for a couple hours. I was fine. I had trouble with one of my abdomen muscles, directly after. Intense pain. It healed though. About a year after surgery. I was helping a friend move and I gave myself a hernia from lifting too much. Dont lift anything!

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 fine. No anxiety. I just hated eating mushy foods, but I was so not hungry it didnt matter.

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

Expect to need help getting up, showering, going to the bathroom. Have someone around to help with your drains. Walk! walking around really helped.

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

20 minutes

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.

This is hard, because It was a long time ago. I do remember diary products made (and still make) me nauseous. Same with too much sugar. If I put those two together (i.e. ice cream) I'm heading for bed, because I feel sick. Acidic things made me feel better, Strangely enough, oranges, pickles, tomato sauce all settled my stomach.

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

I was excited because 3 weeks after surgery I walked across the street, my best friend was having her birthday party in her backyard. I went over there at sat and got to hang out. I did it slow, as days went by I moved around more and more.

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

I take a One-A-Day, a B-100, Calcium 1000, and a few antioxidants (acai, kelp, cidar vinegar, soy lechtin)

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?

Hair loss was bad, My hair line was terrible for a while. It all grew back though, dont worry. I threw up a few times, not too much. It wasn't until I got the hernia that I threw up alot.

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

Nothing. It saved my life. The only thing I regret is I wasn't smart or mature enough to do it better.

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

I have this website now.

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

I have 6 inch little scars I barely notice

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About 1 year after I plateaued, unfortunately that was just about the time I met my boyfriend Paul. I've gained a the 'relationship weight' since.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I dont think so. I have more confidence now. So I think I treat situations differently now and therefore of course people react differently.