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

I learned about it five years ago, my secretary had it done. I was impressed with the weight loss and her increased self esteem. I was confused that she cheated and did not exercise. She showed me her scar and it turned me against having the procedure done.

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

Thankfully, I had no real problem with my insurance. The true morbidly obese have the up and down weight and history of weight loss attempt that most insurances require. I think they looked at my increased medical issues and hospitalizations and realized it was cheaper to let me have the WLS.

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

The first visit is filled with apprehension and you go in defensive. You want to impress and convince the doctor. What you should consider is does the doctor impress you, respect you as an individual and not one of a long string of potential patients. Never let them make you feel rushed!! It is a major life change. You deserve their attention.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew before I ever completed the forms and pre evaluations. I looked at myself in the mirror and cried. I couldn't work in my vegetable garden, pull weeds in my flower garden and I was becoming a legal "hermit".

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

First, the by pass. The more I read, I thought Lap Band. Then realized that was another attempt - for me - to do things half way. I decided to fully committ and not give myself any reason to "change" back to old habits - just with a twist - after 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 was already dying. Mentally, emotionally and medically. When you truly are committed and understand why you are doing WLS, you realize you can't live the way you are living and that WLS is worth the risk and first step to a better life. I prayed before my surgery and thank God for bringing me through.

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?

I told only three people in the beginning. As the weeks and months passed, I had to decide if I wasn't telling from shame, or because I did not want to hear negative feedback. So, I started openning up to others and I felt much better. Be prepared for the nay sayers and for those little green monsters. You will be surprised how many people wanted you to be and liked you fat. You improved their own self esteem.

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

No applicable. However, I loss a job because I was spending too many days in the hospital due to bad health. Some related to my obesity.

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

I was lucky. They had a student nurse who was assigned only to me during the day. Smartest thing they could have done. Made my stay rewarding. She encouraged and was attentive.

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

Felt wonderful the next morning. The night before I was in incredible pain where the "stapler and staples" went in. Then, the nurse said "you shouldn't be in that much pain with the pain meds" I asked "what pain meds"? She said, push the button you have been holding in your left hand. Boy was I embarassed; but, happy.

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 excited. I was excited. Did I mention that I was excited. No anxiety. I was excited. I couldn't wait.

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

Coming home after weight loss surgery starts the individual journey. You can cope with the pain, the moving about, even the "house arrest". What you will have trouble with is eating, drinking, the portions, the loss of sensation (crunch, textures of food) You will have to relearn all the negative behaviors that made us fat in the first place, e.g, eating often, eating fast, not chewing... phantom hunger pains.

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

I traveld 62 miles for all appointments and surgery. It did not affect pre op or post op appointments.

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 the most difficult area of adjustment because as we all know... you have to eat to live. I am still adjusting. My taste buds have changed and because of it, I have to make myself eat because I don't like the way food taste anymore. If you don't chew, the food gets stuck halfway down. If you eat to fast, food gets stuck halfway down and will sometimes come back up. It wrong, dumping syndrome is a reality. The entry and exit are both affected. You have to lie down you feel so sick. True behavior modification.

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

Once I as given the ok to return to gym, I was there. I love exercise. I just hated going and not seeing results. Now I can see the difference in weight loss, not matter how small and I am encouraged. I can't wait to get downn to a size where I can "jog" , not run.. jog.

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

I am on Multi Vitamins, Calcium, plus D, and I take a liquid B complex that has the daily requirements for B-12.

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 feel nauseated a lot. Having my food get stuck going down and wanting to bring it back up makes you chose not to eat. Hair loss has not visited me as yet.

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

Relearning a lifetime of bad eating habits.

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

There is a monthy program at the gym I attend. However, I noticed that the ones who doninate the conversation are those with lap band. I have further learned that the experiences are very different - but you don't want to diminish anyone's individual experience.

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

I had a laproscopic by-pass. I will try cocoa butter, but that is the least of my worries. They are trophy scars.(smile)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss slows down from the second to fifth week post surgery. This depressed me at first, and then I decided, slow was better in the long run to avoid excess skin. Don't weight everyday. Chose a day and weigh on that day only. Also, if you are in the gym frequently, go by loose fitting clothes rather than the scale.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I had my first experience with the green eyed monster. Certain people, will pretend to be happy for you. You will learn that some friends took pleasure in someone being as larger or larger than them. Thankfully, they can not sabotage your efforts.