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

I have been reading about gastric bypass for decades. I was always just a bit under the required weight and bmi. I quit smoking (and nicotine) and gained enough weight to qualify.

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

My insurance approved me easily. Take the initial tests your primary physician orders in as little time as possible. Makes things go much faster.

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

He was very brief and to the point. Make sure you have any surgical questions written down in advance. Dietary questions are for the nutrion team not the surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was terrified of not being able to breathe or move physically.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the least complicated most practiced surgery. A friend of mine had the same surgery and highly suggested it to 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 don't think like that ever. Think positive always.

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?

VERY VERY supportive. Only a couple had negative comments. They were very heavy as well. I think they were not ready to deal with it yet.

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

My supervisor is not a supportive person on any level. I barely discussed it with her. I will be out for 4 weeks.

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

My stay was very brief. Which is great! The staff was EXCELLENT! You are sore the first day and kind of foggy. I found that all I really needed was good slippers with traction because you'll be walking around and around on linoleum floors. I also brought a backscratcher which made the staff laugh but hey you will feel itchy. I brought my Ipods which made all background noise disappear.

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

None whatsoever

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 a bit nervous but didn't lose any sleep over removing the fat suit from my life.

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

This is the toughest time. Eating full liquids and healing was tough but worth it. You are not hungry. By the seciond week you'll feel great.

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

I live in the next town only about 20 minute drive.

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

Each day I moved more and more. I washed dishes, did laundry, walked around the block. I could barely stand without leaning before the surgery.

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

2 flintstones per day and sublingual b12 (liquid)

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?

So far none of this has happened to me.

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

Oh I guess the worst part is grieving over the loss of eating like you did. I really wante to eat a regular dinner or breakfast. But... I have lost 26lbs since the week before surgery and soon enough I move past the pudding phase.....

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

I really don't have one yet.

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

I have 6 little x's and they'll go away in a year or so.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't hit any yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very kind to me but it is still new and they are afraid for me I think.