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

I first found out about bariatric surgery quite some time ago. I never considered it an option though. I thought I could just diet and exercise and that would do the trick. But, unfortunatley, it hasn't.

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

I was nervous about my insurance. I thought for sure they would reject it. But I was approved on the first submission. So now I am on my way.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was wonderful. My surgeon genuinely seemed to care about my overall health and really took the time to explain everything to me. My first consulation was over an hour long. He explained the procedure, the tools he would use to perform the procedure, side effects, complications, diet and exercise everything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I came to the decision that I could not wait any longer. I needed to take a pro-active position on my health and do something drastic to change my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed the many options with my surgeon and we both came to the conclusion that the laporoscopic gastric bypass surgery was the best solution 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 have some concerns over complications and even dying from the surgery. But I feel the benefits far outweigh the risks involved.

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?

When I confided to my friends and family about my wanting to have the surgery they were all very concerned. Because it is such a drastic procedure. I've convinced them that it is the right decision for me.

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

My supervisor was concerned for my well-being. She wants me to be sure that this is the route I want to take. Either way, she says she is behind me 100%

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

My hospital stay was very comfortable and it was a short stay. I was only in the hospital for about 2.5 days. The most important thing for me to bring was my pajama bottoms, my tooth brush and paste and a brush. I didn't really need much else.

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

I didn't have any complications from the surgery. So far, so good.

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

Once I got my surgery date, there was a sense of relief. However, from the weeks building up to that date, I had some anxiety, a few second thoughts. I discussed my concerns and fears with my family and friends and that helped ease the anxiety. By the day of the surgery, I really didn't feel nervous, I felt very confident with my decision and I was ready to begin.

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

I was home for 2 weeks. I would say the first 3 days I was a little slow moving. After that passed I got around ok. I began walking on the treadmill 6 times at 5 minutes each. I still didn't have the stamina to go a full half hour. I eventually built up to it.

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

I went to a hospital about 15 minutes away from home.

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.

As of 8/22/03 I am 7 weeks post-op. I am in a trial and error phase when it comes to food. I do okay with something but not really great with others. I think everyone would probably have that problem

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

I workout about 30-45 minutes 4-5 days a week. Mostly treadmill and strengthening exercises.

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

I was on 2 sugar free chewable vitamins for 6 weeks. Now I take one small multi vitamin daily.

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

The worst part, I can honestly say, is waiting for insurance approval and appointments and the surgery date.

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

I really didn't attend a support group. I just stuck to the love and support of my friends.

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

I had laporoscopic surgery so I have six litte scars. Not too bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At the 9 month mark, I notice that I am not losing as much weight but I am losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I get a lot more attention in a positive way.