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

I first found out about bariatric surgery when my cousin had it done 27 years ago. I was fascinated and thought she was very brave. Her decision probably saved her life.

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

Insurance approval was not difficult, but the whole process can be lengthy. Just decide that this is going to be for the rest of your life and you are investing in yourself now, even if you can't see the finish line. I imagined a bank account for my retirement.M

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

My first visit with my surgeon was a gift because it was one step closer to my goal of being healthier. I had attended a class ahead of time so many of my questions had already been answered, but as new ones came up, the doctor took time to make sure I understood the answers and that I understood what to expect as I went forward. I made sure to verbalize my concerns and fears. I actually went in to the meeting with a written list in case my mind went blank when I got there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have surgery when I talked to my GP about it and got his unconditional support.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Procedure type is decided by my insurance company and I understood their reasoning.

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 all the fears, even a few sleepless nights, bu I would remind myself that fear is a natural human reaction and that it too is part of the process. I knew that if I created the mental image of a perfect outcome that statistically, it would happen. I trusted that I had a great team planning for my success and that everyone is expertly trained.

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 immediate family knows, but I have not shared my decision with others. They will figure it out eventually. I'm not looking to collect opinions. My husband had some misgivings because he was scared for me, but my family was so on board with the idea. Everyone wanted to see me live a longer, healthier life.

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

N /A I am retired.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Invaluable. Lots of information and lots of preparation for the big day. I prepared for the birth of my children, so I needed to prepare for my rebirth as well.

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

My hospital stay was approx. 30 hours. Don't bring anything except an ipod and lip balm. I was supplied anything else I needed.

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

Only complication was nausea in the recovery room, but I was assured I was not going to tear apart and that I would be fine. I was well attended at all times and felt very confident with the care I received.

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 just focused on the mental image of what It was going to feel like to have my back, feet and knees not hurt every singe day and what I was going to look like when all was said and done. I worked on charting nutrition and exercise to embed these healthy habits in my head.

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

I felt fine; just slightly tender. I walked 30 minutes every day and made sure to sip on flavored water constantly. I rested frequently, but balanced that with errands and light household chores. I did not use pain medication other than Tylenol. I sometimes forgot to take tiny bites or swallows and the discomfort would remind me to pay attention and take it slow! Staying hydrated is essential. I did end up with gout in my great toe a few weeks out and that was brutal.

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

My surgery was within 5 miles of my home.

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.

First 48 hours were clear liquids; broth, jello, apple/cranberry/no pulp oj/grape juice, herb tea, all at room temp. Nothing hot or cold. No more than 8 oz. total consumed per setting. ice pops were not a good choice for me. Day 3 thru Week 2: All of the above plus Sugar free pudding, , V-8 juice, Protein Drinks(Premier sold at Costco), blended cream soups/cream of wheat, low fat milk/yogurt, custard, apple sauce. 1/4 to 1/2 each and no more that 1 cup total at a setting. Weeks 3-4: Add flaky crackers, cruchy bread sticks, low fat cheese, ricotta, small curd cottage cheese. Poached egg, baked/broiled fish, crab, tiny bay shrimp, 1/2 banana, canned pears, canned peaches, ripe melon, cooked zucchini or carrots, mashed potatoes or yams with light sauce or gravy. Marinara sauce, creamy peanut butter (1 tbs): 1/4 to 1/2 cup and no more than 1 cup total per setting. Weeks 4-6: Add refried beans, chili without beans, polenta, canned meats/fish,scrambled egg,finely ground beef/pork. Small amounts as tolerated At week 6: Add a few raw baby carrots, strawberries, skinless apple, nuts, small amounts of salad with plenty of low fat dressing. Thinly sliced or shredded deli meats. Th After week 6: Continue to build menu with healthy, moist, lean meats, fruits and vegetables as tolerated. Can also add some whole grains. The overall goal is 70% protiens and 30% low fat carbs in my overall diet. After Week 6, my goal will be 50-60 gms of protien/day.

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

I walk at least 30 minutes every day. I rest frequently, but balance that with errands and light household chores. Walking was a big issue with gout in my great toe, but only for about a week.

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

No changes in my vitamins/suppliments after surgery. Multi-vitamin w/iron, C, D, E, and Calcuim.

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?

At one month post-Op, my biggest complaint is a little dry skin. Lotion solves the problem. I sleep better than before. I have hardly any back, foot or knee pain. I purchased supplements to help with hair loss, but haven't seen any need to take them yet. I try to always remember to tell myself to take tiny bites of food, and to chew well. When I do this, my belly is happy.

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

The worst part of the entire bariatric surgery process was the months and months of hoops you have to jump through to qualify for the procedure. I understand the reasoning, but it is nonetheless frustrating. That said, having made through the process and reaching the goal of having surgery, I feel like I have already accomplished more than I ever have before and that I will be a success at being healthier and happier.

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

I have a John Muir sponsored support group as well as access to a specialized RN and nutritionist as needed at no additional cost. I have come to rely on OH tools, forums and information the most however.

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

I have no scars to speak of. Just 5 small spots on my belly with a bit of discoloration that have continued to fade as the weeks have gone by. No stitches; just glue. I could shower the day I got home. I did have a good size bruise initially, but it was completely gone with the first two weeks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced a stall in weight loss at 18 days post-op. It lasted 9 days. I expect this to happen. I drink all the water I can and eat primarily protein until the scale moves again. Inches are still dropping even if the scale is not.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't see people treating me differently yet. My friends are noticing a slimmer me and have been happy for me that I am feeling better.