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

The media introduced me to bariatric surgery. My initial impression was that it is a drastic step to take.

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

I had no difficulty at all. Have your ducks in a row. Work with and through your surgeon's office and his/her staff. They know what they are doing and they know how to tip your documentation in your favor with your insurance company.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My PCP begain to talk about insulin since I was maxing out on oral meds. I did not want to even think of insulin. I was tired of being treated for diabetes when my real health issue was obesity.(Granted it drove the diabetes). I skipped a check up and decided to put in for the surgery as a way to finally get the treatment and care I deserve. I know I can use this priceless tool that bariatric surgery is to get my health in order.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research and the advice of the surgeon.

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 my fears about dying. It would be arrogant to think that nothing could happen to me. Someone has been the ONE person in 200 who died. It could be me. Only you can control your fears. Do what you need to do for yourself to make peace with your fears be it more research, visiting with clergy or a spiritual advisor or phychologist. Do what you need to do and realize that your fears are not uncommon. Do not let your fears get the best of you. Stay on top of your fears.

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 have been supportive all the way through. They are happy at the new opportunity I will have to put the issue of weight aside forever. They continue to be supportive. I am less than 2 weeks post-op. I don't see their support as something that will change.

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

I am a stay-at-home mom whose employer is basically myself and the organizations for which I do volunteer work. I am delighted with the way I have treated myself through this process of surgery.

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 three nights. The hospital bed was not very comfortable. A nurse got a recliner for me. It helped. Bring whatever makes you comfortable in terms of hobbies, music, etc. The most important thing to bring is a positive spirit.

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

I had no complications from surgery aside from initial nausea in recovery. This was dealt with via meds administered via IV. I did experience some constipation which I treated as prescribed in the manual from my surgeon's office.

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 so excited to have a surgery date. I couldn't wait for time to pass. I spent my time mentally and spiritually asking questions of myself. I also sought reassurance from my family by speaking candidly with them about the risks of the surgery and what they would do if life had to go on without me. Be candid. It's best for all concerned.

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

I haven't been home for this long yet. Expect that there are changes - - that change is not bad. Be kind to yourself and patient with yourself. You have a whole life time of poor decision making regarding food to unlearn, and then relearn. You will get it right. Follow directions to the letter. It's your health and you deserve to feel good.

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

I went about 400 miles or so. My aftercare was not comprimised since the doctor's practice routinely handles out-of-area patients and discharges them to a motel if they live more than an hour's drive away. It may be difficult traveling in winter months due to weather, but nothing lasts forever, not even a blizard.

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.

Red meat and salad are still off limits as I am only on a soft foods diet at this pont. Surgery was October 21st and it is now November 2. I think I have a lot of choices and am trying to wean from the Carnation Instant Breakfast already. So far I have had no "dumping" or vomiting. I am careful to follow the rules.

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

I am working up to walking more and will return to Curves after 2-3 weeks, being careful of anything affecting the abs.

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

I take a multi-vitamin chewable, calcium, and B-12.

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?

This doesn't apply to me yet, except for the initial nausea immediately following surgery which was controlled via meds through the IV line.

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

The waiting for a date and insurance approval.

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

I have to travel 50 miles to a support group. It has been suggested to me that I form one where I live. I think support groups are beneficial, but so are individual contacts whom I have.

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

I have to look for the incisions. They are minimal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too soon post-op to know.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, everyone is glad for me that things are going so well.