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

Five years ago, I looked into Optifast and learned about surgery at that time. I thought it was drastic and only for really, really overweight people.

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

You must be persistent. I got connected with an Aetna case manager and she helped me through the process. I did everything they asked. I went to the nutritionist, kept food and exercise logs, etc. Eventually, it worked.

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

First visit was good. I went in thinking I would do the lapband, but came out wanting to do the surgery. Be prepared. Do your homework before you get there so you have a list of questions prepared for him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that my life was going to be cut short if I didn't do something. I also need to live a very long life to help take care of my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

through discussion with my Dr., and lots of reading.

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 worried that they would go in and find cancer, or find that I wasn't able to have the surgery.

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 only told my immediate family (husband and sons), because I believe most people would think I am crazy. But they do not understand my personal circumstances.

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

I have not told my employer or Manager about the details of my surgery. I told him I had to have some surgery. Unfortunately, I've been out of work longer than expected, but he understands it to be from complications that I did have with internal bleeding.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Information session was a bit frustrating, as I was much more informed than most of the people in the room. Their questions were frustrating.

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 4 days due to complications with internal bleeding. The 1st 30 hours of my hospitalization were not good. The nurses assumed that I could take care of myself. I didn't know to ask for pain medicine, so I went about 9 hours after surgery with nothing, and it was horrible. The nurses had some kind of training going on, and I suffered. After 24 hours, they realized I had internal bleeding. Definitely have someone in the room that can help you get your water, turn over, etc...

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

Yes, I had internal bleeding, so I wasn't able to get up for about 30 hours. I was extremely weak. The hospital had to give me 2 pints of blood.

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 very scared and anxious. I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing since I am not at a BMI level like many having the surgery. I just kept thinking that I am getting rid of my type 2 diabetes and prolonging my life for my family.

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

The loss of blood for me has been an issue. I am very weak and anemic, so it has been slow going. But I really haven't had any issues with the digestive process.

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

5 miles

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

Initially, I was very weak, but I made myself walk alot every day.

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

B12, multivitamin with iron, and Calcium + Vitamin D

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 have had diarrhea off and on for most of the year. I have also had hair loss. I try to stay away from fatty foods and bread. Anything greasy upsets my stomach and causes diarrhea. For hair loss, I started taking Biotin daily, and have even used some "damage repair" products on my hair.

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

the anemic condition

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

Nothing really. My doctor's office doesn't seem to offer anything which is a bit disappointing, although i personally did not feel I needed it.

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

My surgery was laparscopic. I have several small incisions. After a year, they are still slightly noticeable.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are amazed and say I look like a different person. Sadly, people do treat me very different, especially at work.