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

My cousin had WLS several years earlier and had kept the weight off after 4 years. I knew that it was my last and only hope. Because I've always been a chronic overeater, my first thought was that I wasn't sure I could commit to the lifelong change needed to successfully adhere to life after WLS. Could I really give up sweets and alcohol? Could I really give up so many of the foods I loved? Then I realized I had spent my whole life eating everything I wanted, which was why I was now faced with this drastic decision. I came to embrace the idea of a new, healthy life. I was still scared but decided to at least research and start the process. It saved my life!

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

Really get your ducks in a row! Before you go down the road, call your insurance company (don't rely on your primary care doctor to do this for you) and find out EVERYTHING that you need to do to get this approved the first time. Try not to get frustrated. This is a difficult time. Most insurance companies require a demonstrated weightloss attempt for at least 6 months so don't expect that once you make a decision to have the surgery, it will happen quickly. I waited about 10 months. Luckily, my company allows for this surgery but I still had massive amounts of paperwork, doctor's appointments and stress to go through. If you go into this expecting it will take a while to get approved, you will be far less frustrated.

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 for about 5 days. I went to Cedars Sinai and the staff was absolutely amazing. Of course, I was very uncomfortable but mostly from the gas in my stomach not from the actual procedure.

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

I really didn't have any complications except that my diabetes got a bit out of control. I stayed in the hospital a bit longer than expected because they couldn't take the drainage tube out until day 4. Other than that, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

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

When I first got my date, I was elated. After 10 months of dealing with doctors and insurance companies, it was finally happening! Then the panic set in. The reality of willingly having major surgery finally hit and I became very anxious. I would vasillate between excitement and depression. I realized my life was going to change forever and started to think about what it would also mean for my family. I felt like I was having to say "goodbye" to food and I wasn't sure if I was ready to do that. My doctor required a 2 week liquid diet before surgery, which in retrospect was a smart thing. Luckily, my husband and daughter were incredibly supportive.

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

You will feel sore and bloated and not have much energy. You will also have no appetite, which I thought was a plus. You really must force yourself to get up and walk several times a day. It is the only thing that helps with the gas and makes you feel human again. Be prepared to feel a little depressed. Everyone I know that went through this had feelings of "what did I do to myself"? "Why did I do this"? Those feelings pass very quickly, especially when you feel better and see how quickly the weight comes off!

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

The hospital was about 45 minutes from my home. My surgeon is also about 45 minutes from my 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.

I've been extraordinarily lucky. In support meetings, many members stated they couldn't eat chicken, meat, rice, a variety of things even 2 years after surgery. I can eat anything. Of course, my surgeon had a set schedule for when I could try things and I adhered to it! He had me on a liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery and then 2 weeks after surgery. The first thing I ate after my staples were removed was a one egg omelet with cheese. It was the best meal I ever ate!!! After 10 months, I can eat everything. Of course, I eat very small portions but with the exception of sugar, I really eat EVERYTHING!!! As far as sugar, I've had some. Maybe a small bite of dark chocolate once in a blue moon. Or a few spoons of ice cream. I've never dumped and I'm too frightened that I will so I don't do it often. Once a week I allow myself a "no sugar added" treat. I only do this once a week because I don't want to fall back into old patterns. Sugar is my downfall. That said, it is unrealistic to believe that fruit will satisfy me for the next 40 years. I can live with a sugar free dessert once a week!

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

My surgeon required that I walk or exercise 60 minutes a day, every day. To be honest, I spent so many years, completely inactive, that I believe it was unrealistic to expect that I could change my life overnight - especially with all the weight still on. I did walk everyday right after surgery but maybe 10 to 15 minutes. Now, 10 months after surgery, I was able to walk around Italy with my husband - probably 5 miles a day! I have a trainer and work out twice a week. I know I should do more but I am now the most active I've ever been in my life and feel great!

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

Because I had a problem with anemia even before surgery, I take 2 iron supplements a day, 2 multivitamins a day, 2 calcium supplements a day and B12 once a week. I expect I'll be on them forever but it is a small price to pay!

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?

In the days and first week after surgery, I had nausea, but I think that was more from the anesthesia and drugs in my system than anything else. It ended after a few weeks. I have had quite a bit of hair loss. I've been very lucky because I have NEVER dumped and it's been about 9 months. The biggest side effect is constipation. It has been a problem ever since surgery and continues to be. My nutritionist has told me to exercise and drink more water. Honestly, that doesn't help. When it is really bad, I need to take Milk of Magnesia. Although I was told to avoid caffeine, I have to say that the only thing that helps is a cup of coffee every morning. I told my surgeon and he told me that if it doesn't seem to hurt my pouch, don't worry about it.

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

For me, the worst part was before the surgery. The drama of clearing through insurance. The two weeks before surgery when I was on a liquid diet. I was hungry all the time and resented everyone who was eating solid food. Then, the prep the day before surgery. All of this was far worse than the actual surgery.

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

I have gone to a few support meetings that are offered by my surgeon. They are very informative and helpful because you get tips from people who have struggled with things that you struggle with. You can also get great recipes and information on new products there. Most importantly, I have the constant support from my family and friends. Nothing helps more than hearing people tell you that you are "wasting away"! In addition, one of my closest friends had the surgery 6 weeks before me so we support eachother daily.

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

I have one small scar above my belly button. The rest have almost completely faded. Regardless, they don't bother me. I don't care how much I lose, I'll never wear a bikini, so who cares?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had quite a few plateaus since surgery. At the beginning I lost almost nothing. I needed to go on a diuretic and then I started losing quickly. The first plateau occured after 5 months and lasted about 4 weeks. It was very discouraging but I gradually came to realize that this wasn't a race. As long as I exercised and ate properly, it HAD to come off. It's been almost 9 months and I've lost about 100 pounds. Even though I have MANY weeks where I lose nothing, it catches up. You always have to look at the total not the week to week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes but I think that has more to do with my own confidence. I feel better about myself so I don't slouch as much. People at work have been incredible and constantly call me "skinny" or tell me how great I work. It does wonders for your self esteem!