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

A friend of mine had it. He had severe complications and I was scared to death to try it.

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

Unfortunately I was denied. I was told that there would be no appeals as the insurance rules were clear cut. I ended up needing the surgery due to some serious medical issues uncovered during my scope. I had decided to pay on my own until they found 20 tumors in my stomach that they thought may be cancer. It became a medical necessity.

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

I loved my surgeon. She was patient, kind and very direct. She answered every question I had and then some. She made me feel like I was her only patient.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was simply tired of being ashamed and embarrassed of myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't have a choice. They did a stomach resection due to my tumors and modified RNY to finish it.

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 fears of it not working. I had fears that I would have infections. I put my faith in God and knew that my surgeon was totally skilled. I had all the qualifications for success. I try to remain positive.

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?

Family was very supportive. Friends, I didn't share much with. Only a few very close friends were told. Otherwise it was just kept quiet.

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

No reaction. I had the sick time and insurance. It was a medical necessity. I was off for 3 weeks and wish I would have taken one more.

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

I was in there for 3 days. My hospital was incredible. Not state of the art but the nurses made up for that. Things to bring, comfortable non skid slippers. Comfy robe something that makes you feel good to put on.

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

No complications. I was truly blessed.

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 only had 5 days and I was just very excited. I had done all my research and wanted to get started on my journey.

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

I had substantial pain. The only position that was comfortable was walking. I walked a lot and slept in the recliner a lot. I couldn't sleep in bed for several weeks. I was freezing all the time.

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

I only traveled 20 minutes.

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 started on liquids only then gradually added dairy and soft foods. I lived on broth and jello for the first two weeks and remember totally enjoying my eggs for the first time. I very gradually added foods so I could see what I tolerated and what I didn't. Eating too fast was hard for me it made me throw up. You have to eat slow and chew thoroughly. That's not a joke. Also, no sugar what so ever that still makes me dump and I'm 8 months out. I have started eating vegetables. Something I never did prior to surgery. I am open to trying lots of new foods now. Trying to substitute for old favs. I have to stay away from sweets and chips. These are two things that I can not moderate and don't trust myself with.

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

I walked as much as I could. If I wasn't walking I was sleeping. I stopped taking the pain meds after three days. Initally it was very painful because of all the bloating and gas build up in my tummy. That felt worse then the incisions. I walked very slowly until I felt like the incisions were getting sore. I would rest and then do it again.

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

Every morning I take calcium, thryoid meds, b1. Every night I take a multi vitamin and iron. 1 time per week I take b12 sublingual.

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?

hair loss was the worst of it. I'm not bald but I am still losing it. It's been 8 months and I still get handfuls every day.

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

Just the waiting for insurance and approvals. Then after the surgery thinking the weight would just fall off no problem. There are stalls and there are ups and down. But as long as you follow the rules you will succeed. It's a life change or you're wasting your money.

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

I read Obesity Help daily. This website has been a huge help to me for both support and questions. Also for food ideas. I also attend my support group once a month. Support is a necessity for when you feel like you are the only person this surgery isn't going to work for. It will work.

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

My scars faded fast. I had laproscopic and had 5 little incisions. All healed quick and you can barely see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ugggggghhhhhh...I hit my first one at 3 weeks which is very common. It lasted a week. I also had another one at 5 months that lasted about 2 months. You just have to keep doing what you're doing and make minor adjustments. Excercise is so very important. Watching your carbs and making sure you eat your protein first is very important as well. If you stall you need to shake things up. They are very frustrating times but they will happen.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people notice me. I was like the invisible fat lady before. Now I get a lot of Hello's and compliments.