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

My sister had it before me. I didn't know if it was for me, but since I couldn't lose weight by dieting, I wanted to try this.

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

I didn't have any problems getting insurance approval. I had enough comorbidity to get it approved very quick. My only advice would be to stay on your insurance company. Check in from time to time to see where the process is.

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

I loved my first meeting with my surgeon. He's a comedian like me. You can get the most out of your first meeting by having questions prepared, and don't be afraid to ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that I would die long before my husband and probably never be able to have children pushed me over the edge. I love life, and I want to be around to enjoy it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the same one my sister had, except my was laproscopy.

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?

If I didn't have the surgery, I was going to die long before I wanted to. My biggest fear was what if it didn't work. I still live with that fear even though I'm 5 months out. It has slowly went away, as I watch the pounds come off.

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 and friends supported me 100%.

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

They supported me 100%

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

I went in Wednesday and was released Friday. The hospital staff was very attentive. I brought a change of clothes, a book, and comfort wipes(they have soap in them, all you do is microwave it).

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

I had a lot of trouble coming out of anesthesia. They just kept me longer in recovery.

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

As the weeks went on, I started to feel much better about the surgery. I was so excited, especially when the weight started coming off.

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

I was tired the first week or so. This is completely normal. The key is to rest and make sure you move around every once in a while.

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

The hospital is less than 10 minutes from my house.

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.

I was on straight liquids for 2 weeks. Then I was able to puree food for 3-6weeks. I could have any protein I wanted except red meat. I can't have that for another month. I couldn't use spices or anything like that till I was 3 months out. Now I can have anything I want, except red meat.

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

My activity level has increased since surgery. I walk 5-6 days a week, body tone twice a week and go to aerobics once a week.

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

I take calcium, B12, iron, and a multivitamin.

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 problems since surgery.

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

The waiting game for all the weight to come off. I am very impatient.

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

I am not involved in any support groups.

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

I have 4 small scars, which is what I expected. The a pretty faded now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several. Most of the time, I drop a few pounds a week. Sometimes, I don't lose for 1 1/2-2 weeks. It can be very frustrating, but I try to remember that my body is adjusting

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. The ones that know me treat me the same way.