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

I've heard about it for years, but dismissed it as a cop out.

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

My insurance company at the time refuses all weight loss patients because of "problems with previous patients." Translation: Revision surgeries. Appeal then secure financing.

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

My first visit was a consultation to determine which surgery was best for me. We took my before photo and got all my vitals. Filled out lots of paperwork. Be prepared and educate yourself about the various surgery options. ASK QUESTIONS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had hit rock bottom. My clothes were too tight, and I felt awful. I vowed to never spend another minute fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Consultation with my doc as to my eating habits and lifestyle, plus the amount of weight I needed to drop.

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 afraid of dying. I would tell them to have faith and to pick a good, reputable surgeon then get on OH for support.

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?

All were against it, but they eventually came on board when they saw I was serious. All have been extremely supportive since surgery.

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

I didn't tell him. I told 1 co-worker. I told after the surgery and recuperation time. I just told boss I was having surgery. I was out of work for 2 weeks due to an infection.

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

Faboo stay. Comfortable facilities. Wonderful staff. I was in 24 hours. Most important things to bring were clothes to go home in and personal toiletries. Don't take a book..free movies in room. Purchase a body pillow for at home afterward.

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

I developed an infection in the main scar on the left side. I dealt with it as per doctor's orders.

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 walked out feeling great, but once infection set in it was screaming pain. After infection drained and wound packed, I felt great. Tired a lot...developed nausea the month after and finally felt like my old self 2 months out.

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

First few weeks home for me were different due to infection. I would tell people to rest and concentrate on learning what full feels like.

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

Across town.

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 can not eat anything fat or greasy. It makes me throw up. I can't oven bake chicken for that reason. All meat must be grilled and tender. Beef has to be 98% fat free..steaks are filet mignon. Veggies have been my friends as have fruits. Mexican food sits best, and I pour Pace Picante Sauce on everything..I'm addicted to it since surgery. I eat things I didn't like before and enjoy them. I still can't handle hamburgers anymore..even the patty kind due to concentrated fats.

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

Not a lot initially..becoming more so as energy returned.

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

B12, Calcium Citrate, Centrum Chewables

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?

Nausea was bad. Scrip for Phenergren Gel did the trick and still does. Hair loss ongoing for the past month. Not bad, but I do clog the drain.

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

The infection pain.

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

Weight Wise Bariatric Hospital Support Group Bandwise. Very helpful and fun as is OH.

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

I have several small scars, most of which are gone. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have stalled at least 1 time per month, so I only weigh monthly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People don't recognize me on the street..then, when they do they can't get over the change in me. Some former friends are downright hostile about my weight loss. Some sneer when they find out it took surgery to lose it. They see it as the easy way out.