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

I first found out about it when I met my husband because he was looking into it and my first reaction was why isn't everyone doing this! At first I thought it would be a good easy, quick fix.

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

Lol insurance from what I've heard it can be a nightmare however my insurance Americhoice was very good about everything after my testing my only requirement was 6 months of a diet regulated by my Dr.

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

My first visit was a meeting for people looking into the bypass and the surgeons were there explaining all the different kinds of surgery they do. It was informative. Then the next time I went it was just with my surgeon and he's so easygoing he inspires confidence I felt comfortable right away all we did was talk and he felt my stomach for what I have no idea!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was the only way I would lose the weight for good and have a new chance at life with my two little guys and my hubby. I wanted that, I want my boys to see what healthy is!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I was at the first meeting and they were explaining the different surgeries they explained how this particular one was very good long term because it's extremely difficult to stretch the pouch. I knew that I needed the one that wasn't going to stretch because I was afraid that I would ruin the whole thing.

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 had no real fears about anyhting going wrong. But there's a really great book called "The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery" and a quote in that book comes to mind "you can do anything afraid that you can do unafraid"

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 was lucky to have a very supportive family the only one who was asking me to rethink my decision was my mom, and I know she just worries about me! But after the surgery everyone was 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 told my employer the truth and he was very happy for me they were willing to work around my absence and also were very supportiv

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

My stay in the hospital was NICE lol, yeah there was some pain but if you've had kids it's no worse and the meds are even better. I was pampered by the nurses!! But the most important thing you can do for yourself is WALK!! I was up in the middle of my first nite walking, and after that I spent my time in the chair as it was easier for me to get out of. I would say bring something to do and regular toiletries a robe and if you really want to be comfy your own PJ's.

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

No I was very lucky

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 felt no anxiety I just couldn't wait to get it done and be on the other side I had no fear about this surgery whatsoever!! I'm just an impatient person so I kept talking to people on the OH website and looking at pics!!!!

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

Hmmmm, well I was definitely sore but I didn't really take alot of meds. I couldn't sleep laying down yet because it hurt so I slept in a chair. But it was soooo worth it because the weight was melting off of me. I was one of those people who still wanted to eat and I think it was a mental thing not physical hunger. That's been really hard for me.

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

My surgeon and the hospital were about a half hour away

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.

Well in the very begining it was just Jello, pudding, yogurt and baby food. Now I can't eat any meats really or raw veggies but I can have raw lettuce like a little salad...No apples unless they're baked. There's definitely no sugar though that really does make you sick.

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

In the very begining all I could do was walk like 20 minutes or so and then I would just walk around the house when I wasn't sleeping. Don't forget I also have 2 little boys who I was taking care of. I'ts been almost 5 months and I now walk at least an hour a day or I do about 40 minutes of aerobic exercise along with a little bit of weights.

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

My Dr. is against the protein powder so that's not something I take very often, however a chewable multivitamin and calcium b-12, iron and biotin

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' haven't had any severe side effects except when I try to eat something with real sugar in it then I'm ready to pass out...I don't eat it anymore!!!!

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

Waiting to get the surgery so I could start my life over...and the fact that although they do work on your body your still fat in your mind. I suggest counseling for that part

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

My surgeon's office has their own group and we meet once a month it's very helpful because there are people there in all stages and someone is always willing to give advice.

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

Yes I knew what to expect as far as my scar went and it's about 3 inches on my sternum. Well worth it just remember that

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a couple of experiences and it's always when I stop working out and eat crap my hubby yells at me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes but part of that is becuase I treat myself differently