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

Two friends of mine had it done and it first I felt like it was a cop out. Like I didn't want to resort to that, but I continued to do more research on it before I made my decision.

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

I was approved the first time, but I made sure that I took into account everything the billing office told me at the consultation. I made sure that I had copies of medical records of every doctor that I had seen, that I had all my paperwork in order.

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

Wonderful! She was very to the point. I like doctors like that. I don't want a doctor that "sugar coats" information but one that is very true to what needs to be done and she was very honest about the risk and all that needs to be done throughout the whole process

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My medical problems; high blood pressure, possible cholestral problems and diabetic problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no question. I wanted the most effective procedure and the most expeditious and one with the best success rate.

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?

The possible of the blood clots. I did everything the doctor/dietican said to do. Even if I didn't feel like walking, I walked. Any questions I had, I called or e-mailed them. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

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 family has been supportive the whole way. My husband was very concerned at first, more because of the risks involved. He has been nothing but supportive of my decision though and my family continues to be there for me.

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

I was out of work 2 weeks. My supervisor and director were more than supportive. They really didn't know what I was having done. When I came back and told them they were behind me and continue to be behind me 100%.

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

I was in the hospital from Friday when I had my surgery to Sunday. The most important thing I forgot to bring was the pillows to hold over my stomach for the ride home, but the hospital even provided me with two pillows for that. They were great!

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

No complications what so ever and I thank God for that!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

A little nervous but anxious. Just talked to my friends that had had the surgery.

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

I was a little overwhelmed. It was hard the first week getting the schedule down of when to eat, when to drink, when/how to take meds, etc. After the first week the second week was pretty much just getting into the swing of it.

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

I was 2 1/2 hours from my hospital and doctor, but it was no problem as the hospital staff gave me pain meds as I left the hospital, my husband stopped half way through the trip so I could get out and walk (to prevent blood clots) and he was there for me to go back to my follow-ups.

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.

Fried foods, breads, raw vegs/fruits meats at first. After the first six months, I have been able to gradually add in raw vegs/fruits and meats. Breads and fried foods are still a no-no but they (dietician) have told me if I can tolerate the raw stuff, do so rather than soft cooked cause it will help me to feel full longer and to increase the protein.

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

I walked every two hours for at least 20 minutes whether I felt like it or not to prevent the blood clots. I gradually of course increased it after six weeks to regular work-outs.

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

I take three vitamins a day (Centrum adult chewables), 3 calicum (Citrical since the calcium citrate absorbes better), 100 mg of B1 (Thiamin), 1 monthly B12 shot, and 1 2500 mg of Biotin daily.

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?

Dumping was the worst for me. I quickly learned that certain food I couldn't tolerate. I hated to dump because it seemed like it took so long for me to get rid of the food that caused that.

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

The drain tube. Once I got rid of that (8 days later) I felt like a million dollars. I'm glad that I had it though cause it showed all the junk that my system got rid of after the surgery.

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

I didn't because about 4 people that I worked with had this same procedure done and we kinda supported each other.

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

I only have 4 small scars; I had laproscopic surgery and it was great!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just like any diet, I experience plateaus but that is okay because the don't last as long as when I would diet on my own.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some, my close friends were very encouraging and the ones not so close were not so. I tried not to make a big deal with people about my personal goals and milestones. My family on the other hand were very supportive which to me was all that mattered.