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

My next door neighbor had her stomach stapled when I was a kid. Although she lost weight, I remember the complications she had. In the end, she gained it all back!

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

United Health Care gave me approval within 3 weeks, although I understand other insurance companies aren't so easy to work with.

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

Dr. Robert Sewell of Southlake, TX had a straight forward manner and was very patient, spending an hour and a half with me during my first consultation. Do your research - know what you're getting into before you every set foot in the doctor's office - once you're there you'll forget a lot of what you want to ask out of nervousness.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

4 months of physical therapy for my knees which didn't work, and a diagnosis of Type II diabetes.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a conservative approach with slow weight loss. Lap Band offered a safer way to lose weight than gastric bypass, and studies are showing that patients tend to keep the weight off longer.

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?

Right before the surgery I almost changed my mind I was so scared! One of the drugs that my surgeon uses before surgery makes you feel 'antsy', and like you want to jump off the table. I didn't react as strongly as others, so I can imagine what I'd feel like if it had a stronger reaction on me. I had to keep telling myself that the chances of me dying from diabetes were higher than dying from the surgery.

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 brother, who had gastric bypass 2 years ago, kept telling me that it was harder than I thought. Some of my friends, also overweight, were supportive, but didn't agree with my decision. Knowing that my eating habits are going to change could affect my social life, and that probably scares some of my friends. Several people said "you're not fat enough to have the surgery". I know they meant well, but come on!

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

My boss was extremely supportive, knowing that this was the best thing for my health. I let him know I was investigating the surgery almost a year in advance! I had the surgery on Wednesday, and was checking e-mails Thursday and Friday, back at work full-time Monday!

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 24 hours. The nurses were very nice, but I was surprised that they didn't have me up walking sooner. I got out of bed myself a few hours after surgery and asked to walk a little bit. I had compression stockings and air-filled massage cushions on my legs, and an IV. My vital signs were taken every 4 hours. I got a little nauseous the next morning, but I think it was due to low blood sugar. Sipping on orange juice helped.

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

No.

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 elated! I was on a 3-week strict protein diet, and the weight loss (10 pounds) gave me a good boost. I didn't feel any anxiety until the morning of the surgery.

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

Keep walking - it does help with the gas!

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

20 miles.

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.

Foods haven't been a problem - the time of day I eat them is! Mornings are very tough. Bad foods are really easy to eat, but I've found that my cravings have gotten better since the surgery.

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

Surprisingly, my energy level is at least what it was before the surgery on day 4 post-op. It took me another 9 months to start exercising. I have a boost of energy for about 4 hours after I leave the gym. I now exercise about 3 times per week.

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

A chewable multi-vitamin (Centrum). Calcium supplements twice 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 have had some hair loss, but got it under control by upping my protein intake. I would vomit at least once a week for the first 8 months after surgery, due to eating too fast. I've gotten much better at recognizing the signs.

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

The first surgeon I investigated had a patient care coordinator that wouldn't communicate. I finally gave up after a year of getting nowhere, and went to a surgeon not in my network but highly recommended by a work colleague.

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

My surgeon includes a full year of care, including dietician, exercise physiologist, and support groups. I missed all of the support group meetings due to travel, but found the dietician appts necessary in making me accountable for my behaviour.

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

I have five incisions, similar to those I had for gall bladder surgery. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued for 6 months, wavering between 201 and 206 pounds. I finally started exercising and quit all alcohol, and another 10 pounds came off pretty quickly. Now I've plateaued again, but I'm not discouraged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, I get a lot of compliments, but I don't think anyone is treating me any differently.