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

I found out about it when I was already getting up there in pounds. I was very nervous about the thought of such a permanent surgery.

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

I was very lucky to have such a great medical team behind me. From the seminar, they said the would fight for us to get the approval. They sure did too! My advice is to stick to your guns. Don't give up on getting the insurance to approve your surgery.

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

My surgeon is wonderful. He was so confident that I really felt like he knew exactly what he was doing. I never had a lot of questions for him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had gotten to the lowest point in my life. I had no where else to go. I HAD to lose weight or it would be downhill from there.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that the lap-band gives people a chance to cheat on the surgery, and I knew I would cheat . But the bypass will hurt you if you don't respect it. It was just a matter of knowing that I needed the discipline of the bypass to be successful.

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?

Oh I had big fears. I was worried about not waking up from the surgery.Not seeing my husband or kids again. I cried and cried in the holding room waiting to be prepped for surgery. A very sweet nurse prayed with me and gave me the confidence I needed . I also realized that this was my one and only shot, and I needed to have faith that everything would work out fine.

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?

It was about 50-50 with my friends and family. Some knew it was the right thing for me to do.Some said it was a horrible decision and I could get hurt. The ones who did not support me in the beginning are now quiet around me now. I feel like they feel threatened about me becoming a new, healthier person. Its very sad that they have to drag a person down to make themselves feel better.

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

They really didn't say much either way. I never had problems getting the time off that I needed. I think I was out 1 week.

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

Well, I was there overnight and part of the next day. It wasn't much fun. Alot of walking and dry heaves . The breathing exercises were hard. I didn't like doing them, but they are very important. I guess bringing slippers was good. Nice to have comfortable things with you. I think the best comfort I had was the nurses would give me wet washcloths to keep my mouth and lips moist when I wasn't allowed to drink yet.

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

Not a one!!

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 all peaches and cream till a week before the surgery. Then I was worried about the mortality rate and such. But my surgeon is wonderful and I should have know to relax but I am a worrier at heart.

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

HARD. The liquid diet is hard. I really missed chewing on food. I missed meats and veggies. I got tired of protein shakes and anything sweet real fast. Soups helped a lot.

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

About an hour drive. It took some gas, thats for sure.But I feel it was/is well worth it.

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.

Well, I developed an intolerance to milk. Makes me kinda sad.I also can't do soft breads, buns ..etc. They get hung up on the way down and it hurts my chest. But I can do wraps with tortillas or salads so its not a really big loss.

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

During the 1st week of healing it was slow going .My husband took me to the mall for walks. It was nice and I found my strength returning faster .

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

Multi vitamins , b-12 calcium & iron supplements

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 never had the vomiting.The nausea was tiresome but after the 2 month mark it just vanished! I have had no sleep disturbances. Dumping is a bit nerve wracking so I never try new foods unless I am home ,just in case I need to lie down.I am going through the hair loss right now. I am worried but so far its not noticeable so, I will keep on chugging along .If it gets to be more than I can deal with, I may just get a short haircut so the weight of my hair doesn't make it fall out faster!

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

Hmmmmmmm, not being able to eat at the ice cream shop with my family. That made me feel like an outsider . Sugar free ice cream need to be available for people like us when we go out .

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

I work many hours at my job and as a mommy. Sadly ,I haven't been able to attend one.

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

I have 6 small scars from my laproscopic surgery. They shrink right along with me. I am very pleased with this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had some plateaus that last 4-7 days. I just eat more protein and bump up my work outs and it kicks back in gear.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My family is very proud of me.Though I have some "friends" and coworkers who are a bit cold to me now. I assume they feel threatened in some way.