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

I was told about it by a gynecologist after my last child. She suggested I check into it because I was not getting well and with some much weight(480 pounds); I was medically restricted from some procedures at the time; 1980's. I was 34; I am now 54. I really wasn't sure it would work but I was willing to try before I weighed 500 plus pounds and was unable to walk or move at all.

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

My insurance at the time approved it because it was deemed medically necessary and life saving measure. I was born with a specific heart problem that this extreme weight only aggravated. The physicians thinking was if they could help me get rid of some of the excess weight then they could continue to help and treat me for some of the other problems they started to see many related to morbid obesity.

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

My surgeon was actually a very understanding, kind person. Very attractive and a patient previously herself. People can get the most out of this meeting by having the doctor explain exactly what the procedure is and how it will affect you, what to expect before and after surgery. Also tell the surgeon your fears; this is important. Remember the mind and the body are connected and work together. I also wanted to really be healthy and the surgeon helped me put together a program so I could do that.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I weighed 480 pounds; I was 34 years old. I didn't want to die by my 35th birthday.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I followed my surgeon and my physician's advice.

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?

That is always possible with any surgery for any reason. I had the fear I would have complications and either end losing a kidney or my heart would be compromised. I would tell people to take the chance and do something positive because it is so much easier to be healthy. And you have just one life to live; live the best you can and be the best you can be for the people who love you.

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?

My family thought I was crazy. My friends were very supportive. My friends have always been more supportive than my family anyway.

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

I was self employed and I was not working for four weeks. I had a duodenal switch so it takes longer to recover but I did what the docs said and I was fine. Impatience doesn't work here.

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

I was in the hospital 5 days. It was ok. Most important is something to read or write with. Things that keep your mind occupied are important to bring to the hospital with you.

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

No complications; just normal post op discomfort. I walked and drank water mostly. Moved around as much as I could.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Relieved. I was finally gonna be rid of all that excess weight I had gained over the years. My family contributed by using food as a reward.

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

It was trial and error. For the most part, do as much as you feel comfortable doing as with any surgery.

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

I traveled about 90 miles. My aftercare was unaffected basically.

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.

Since my surgery directly affects the intestines; I was and am still(21 years later)very careful about eating red meat, beans, cabbage and so forth. Foods that are gassy. Now I eat a lot of yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, rice, soy and so forth. Tuna, chicken, fish. I don't eat near the red meat I once did.

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

Before surgery I sat. After I started a fitness program that I still use: light exercise, aerobics, dancercise, strength training, swimming. I used to run and I am trying to get back to that but its slow in coming. Old foot injury. Also I do yoga daily.

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

I take a daily multivitamin, I take mineral supplement with extra manganese. I try to get as many nutrients as I can from my diet.

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?

Not too many side effects; just initially in the first days after the surgery.

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

The silly fears I had. And sometimes those fears keep us from acting on something we know we should do that is really right for us.

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

Many my friends; we still communicate by email.

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

Not bad. It is slight bigger than I thought it would be.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes its wonderful to know that they don't just see weight and not a person.