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

I saw a report on TV about it and started searching the internet. I thought it was very interesting but decided it was too drastic at first. After a friend of mine died of a heart attack and I was given her clothes, I changed my mind.

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

My approval was so easy I still can't believe it! I had a consult with Dr. Yates and 2 days later I got the phone call that I had been approved. They said it was the fastest they had seen anyone approved.

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

First visit was very encouraging. I haven't been that excited about anything in years! Write down any questions. Ask others what they would ask if they were going. Take someone with you for an extra set of ears and a mouth. Don't be afraid to ask any question. You won't look stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A friend of mine died of a heart attack and her family gave me a lot of her clothes. Some fit...some were too small... I decided I wanted to see my grandson grow up... something she'll never do now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the proceedure my doctor offers. I had done research and was very comfortable with what he does.

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 was more afraid of the anesthesia than anything else. Afraid I wouldn't wake up. Don't ignore your fears. Pray on them. Do research to know all of the possibilities.

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?

They were all pretty supportive, and still cautious and concerned. They have been very supportive since surgery.

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

My stay was overall a positive thing. I was in intensive care for 3 days, but that was standard proceedure. Then I went to another floor for 2 days more. Some of the employees were less than professional, but the others made up for it.

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

I had no complications what so ever.

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 didn't have much time to wait, but it was some the most anxious weeks of my life. I know I drove my family nuts with preparations and constant daydreaming of what my life had in store. Talking about it was the best therapy ever.

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

I was extremely tired and emotional. I cried alot, not because I was sad in particular. My emotions were very high and it didn't take much to set me off. It helped to rest. I had to allow myself to rest even when I didn't want to.

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

I only had to travel about 25 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.

I was on a very strict diet. Full liquids for the first 3 weeks, soft foods for the next 3 weeks. At6 weeks I got to add seafood, toast and cold cereals. At 8 weeks poultry and pasta. At 3 months I got soft cooked vegetables, soft fruits, rice and untoasted bread. 3 Months and 2 weeks, cooked greens and crunchy fruits and salads at 4 months post. Finally, at 6 months, I could have beef and pork. The only never eat item for me is coconut. Fish and chicken were the hardest to eat since they got stuck a lot. I still have trouble with them and rice if I don't take care to eat slowly and chew, chew, chew.

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

I was very tired most of the time in the first 6 weeks.

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

multi-vitamins, B12 injection

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 dump occasionally, but not a great deal. My hair started falling out around 5 months, but started growing back around 7 months out. I have been extremely fortunate with few side effects.

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

Anesthesia was my biggest problem. Caused a minor breathing difficulty.

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

At the time I had my surgery, Weight For Life had no support group. So, I went to MSN Communities and started my own group. We are 100 members strong and it is a very significant part of my recovery, emotionally as well as physically. I don't know what I would do without these wonderful people. The emotional part has been harder than the physical and they have helped me enormously.

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

Part of my scar has faded. The other half is still raised and tender to the touch most of the time. I thought it would have been healed by now but, my doctor says it can take up to 2 years. It causes me a moderate amount of pain occasionally.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

MANY.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I am treated as any other cog in the clock now. I don't stand out in a crowd because of my weight anymore. Some are still unsure how to relate to me and avoid me. Most are supportive and friendly. It is nice to have someone look at me appreciatively.