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

I first found out about bariatric surgery through a magazine ad. I was at my wits end by the time I had the courage to make the appointment for my first visit. It was my last chance at a healthy life. I felt good about that visit.

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

My advice is to be patient. The BTC worked wonders for me. I initially called the insurance to see if they approved this kind of surgery and they told me no over the phone. The BTC told me to ignore them and they would take care of everything.

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

He must talk about that surgery all day...so it did sound very mechanical. He was nice about answering my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to die. I thought I'd give this a shot.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched 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 was at such a low point in my life. I honestly thought I was going to die from obesity, so I figured that this surgery gave me a fighting chance. As far as dying on the table, I figured that I wouldn't know about it anyway. I know that sounds cold, but I'm a pretty logical person.

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?

Family and friends were wondering why I would need to have the surgery done. Hello! I was close to 300 pounds! My husband was scared but very very supportive.

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

I'm a stay at home mom. My husband took off a couple of days as vacation. I went back to my work as a mom to two very young boys the following Monday (7 days after my surgery). Everything was fine. You just learn to work through things.

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

The hospital need to be redone in a bad bad way. Two people to a room and four people to a shared bathroom is no way to recover from this surgery. Bring a friend to make sure that you get your needs met. Being there for four days though is a small price to pay for the outcome. But they really really need to rehab the place.

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

No serious 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 was so excited to know that I was taking my final step in weight loss forever.

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

I was slow to move around. You have to wear a body bandage. You can't pick up heavy objects. Obtain a temporary handicapped parking placard from your DMV. Make sure that you have all of your food ready to go. Again, a small price to pay for how well I feel now.

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

I traveled two hours to have this surgery. It was a pain to have my kids in the car that long.

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.

They explain everything to you in an eating guide. It clearly states everything you can eat and at what times you introduce them. Most of the stuff is tolerable. I didn't puree my food like they asked...I just chewed it over and over and over. My tastebuds have also changed. It's a lot like when you're pregnant and suddenly, for no reason, you have aversions to some food. Pesto has been off limits...too much fat. My tolerance is excellent...I just really don't want a lot of junk anymore.

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

I am constantly on the go with the boys. I don't have a formal workout routine yet...they run me down everyday.

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

Scooby Doo SugarFree Multi Vitamins

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 only had one dumping experience...it was after I ate pesto sauce on noodles. I wasn't thinking about what I was eating and it was totally my own fault. After about 30 minutes, I had to run to the bathroom. Well, I haven't had pesto since, and it's not a big deal.

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

The day after the surgery I felt like "What have I done to myself" and got into a funk. I found out later that EVERYONE got into this same mood. So it's normal!! Also, the hospital needs to be remodeled.

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

I have blood work done regularly and follow up appointments at the hospital. I don't belong to a support group because I have no need for it...my life has totally taken a turn for the better. I don't regret a thing.

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

I have a line down the middle of my stomach. I thought it was going to be much worse. I figured that I wasn't wearing bikinis or half tops at 300, why worry now?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It is amazing. People hold doors open for me. I get compliments from people who had seen me before. Some people don't recognize me. I see no one staring and snickering. I fit into the rides at the amusement park this year (last year I didn't) and I fit comfortably into the MIDDLE seat on an airplane!