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

I first heard about this surgery from Al Roker. It scared me back then but the more I heard of people having it done, the more I became intrigued.

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

My experience with my insurance approval was great. I met all the pre-op requirements and they approved me. I truly did not have a hard time at all.

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

Prior to your meeting, bring a list of questions. No matter how silly you think the questions are, ask them. It's better to know than not.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daughter is an overweight 13 year old. She made the basketball team but they had no uniform to give her because she was larger than the ones they had from previous years. Because of this she never played in a single game, she sat on the sideline looking sad. I knew at that time that I needed to get myself into shape and help her. She's my pride and joy and the best thing I've ever done, I knew she needed me in more ways than she already had me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the GB because it worked a lot faster than the LB.

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?

Anytime you have surgery there are risks. I was not going to allow fear to keep me from having a useful and productive lifestyle. One filled with joy instead of pain.

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?

I had mixed emotions from both. Most of my family was supportive. One of my sisters was not supportive initially but her tune changed when she saw I was truly adamant about my decision. Most of my friends were supportive with the exception of one, she pretty much told me I would turn into a sex craved alcoholic. She has now changed her tune also and asks many questions. She too has a weight problem and maybe this will help her make some decisions about her life.

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

I was honest and told them I was having WLS. They didn't really say too much, my current employers are not a very supportive group of people. I was only out for a week.

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

My hospital stay was not a pleasant one. I would never want to stay at that hospital ever again..... Bring your toiletries. I forgot mine.

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

I had no complications with my surgery. The hardest part for me has been finding what agrees with my new stomach.

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 really didn't think about it until the evening before. Everyone else was up in arms with concern. I really didn't get nervous until the very last minute.

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

Expect to tire easily, expect to have weird sensations in your body and expect some nausea. Make sure you follow your physician and nutritionist instructions.

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

My surgeons office was within 25 minutes of my home, the hospital where he performs the surgery was over an hour away. The ride home was horrible.

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.

Right now I am 4 weeks post-op. I am still eating minimally. I've recently begun eating sushi again which I love. Rotisserie chicken has been off limits, not sure why but it is, it causes me much nausea. I am still eating a lot of soft foods and incorporating some solids little by little.

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

My activity level the first few weeks was minimal because I tired easily. I've been taking my vitamins and I've joined a health club (curves) and it's definitely increasing.

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

I take two Flinstones w/iron chewables per day, two Tums per day and my sublingual B12 EOD.

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 nausea a few times per week. Mainly when I try a new food and with that I may have some vomiting. I haven't had any sleep disturbance or hair loss and hopefully I won't. I've stopped snoring and that's great - lol. I am still fairly new with my surgery so I am sure I am still going to go through certian things.

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

The scars left on my stomach but I wouldn't trade them (smile).

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

I haven't attended a support group, however, I do have several people that I am in contact with who have gone through this process as well as a few who have had surgery dates very close to mine.

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

I often tell people I look like a stab victim but the alternative is worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've lost 32lbs, all my clothes are fitting very loosely!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not necessarily. They just look at me a lot more and comment how they can tell I am slimming down.