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

I heard about it through a friend at work.I was scared at first but Obesity Help was a focal point for me. Looking at all the successes and reading all the stories go me excited about it.

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

My insurance paid right off the bat without any approval. I had Independant blue cross, blue shield. If you can't get approved, keep pushing,keep talking. Being overweight is a health problem.

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

It was a fairly simple meeting with my surgeon. He explained fully what he would do. Asked If I had any questions. I had a little problem getting scheduled at first because the lady that did that was out of the office for a few days.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just seeing all the pics and reading all the stories on Obesity help.com. ALso seeing my friends at work looking really good and telling me the steps I needed to take.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided for me.

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 fear at all. I looked at it as a necessity for me. If I didn't lose the weight I was going to die an early death anyway. I would tell anyone to talk to people. There is really nothing to fear. Surgery went well, No complications afterward and I have lost 156 pounds.

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 husband, Son and Mother were very supportive of my surgery. My sisters who are overweight didn't say too much to me about it and still to this day they have never commented on how well I look. I think there may be a little jealousy there.

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 for about 6 weeks which was at my own choosing. I could have went back after 3 weeks. I wanted to go back and be able to show everyone a significant weight loss. My supervisor was very encouraging because she knew how much I wanted this for me.

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 just 23 hours. My stay was ok from what I can remember of it. I was walking the halls that night though.

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

I had no complications what so ever.

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 wanted surgery done right then. I hated the wait. I was getting angry at everyone because I couldn't have it until later.

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

It was a little slow going at first. I walked just around the corner and back every day. I was amazed at how little food I could eat.

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

I only traveled less than 10 miles to my doctor.

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.

In the few weeks after surgery, I couldn't eat a lot of bread. So I would just eat a pinch of it. Hamburger was a little tough to begin with also, but not I can eat a whole burger. My son had this surgery also and to this day he still can't eat pasta or pudding.

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

My activity level increased in the weeks after surgery. My husband and I went to Gulf Shores afterwards. I also gradually walked a mile everyday on the treadmill. I can actually walk faster than my husband now and not be out of breath.

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

I have been taking flintstone chewables and I take 2 calcium tablets a day.

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 lost a little hair but it finally came back once I got on the vitamin regimen. I have only dumped 3 times in 4 years.

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

The waiting!

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

My husband was my aftercare support.

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

I can barely see my scars now. I only had 5 small incisions that were covered with the glue like bandages.No stitches!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have reached a weight of 102 pounds right now. I did get slow down after the first 50 pounds came off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People do treat my differently. They are more willing to talk to me. They tell me how nice I look in my clothes. Usually I get stuck in the little seats or where there is not hardly any room cause I can get through there now.