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

I love to watch Discovery Health, and I saw many people who had gone through various WLS procedures. I talked to my doctor and went to an informational seminar. I did a lot of Internet research. My first impression was that it was too risky and had too many undesirable side effects. Then, I learned about the duodenal switch. I felt that was a procedure that I could not only live with, but I could be happy with it.

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

My insurance policies have total exclusions when it comes to treating obesity. I knew it was hopeless to fight them, so I self-paid.

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

I first met with Dr. Marchesini on the first day I arrived in Curitiba, Brazil. He was very welcoming and reassuring. I had some questions prepared for him in advance, and that is the best way to get the most out of meeting a surgeon for the first time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I realized that I was not doing anyone a favor by not taking control of my weight. I could have tried to "settle" and just be happy with myself, but that wouldn't do anything for the problems I had because I was overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I read a lot. I read books, magazines, internet research, etc. I watched every program I could find about WLS. I joined the Yahoo group for the procedures and listened to patients themselves.

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 I would have a complication that would render my life as useless. I was afraid I would regret my decision if I had complications and I would never reach my goals related to the surgery. I would tell someone who was having these same pre-op fears to just think about the fact that you have probably lived most, if not all, of your life imprisioned by fat. This is your chance to make a prison break. Chances are you will make it and be successful. If you don't make it, at least you have died fighting for yourself.

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 and friends were very nervous for me. Especially since I was going out of the country for my procedure. I kept them informed with regular emails, and that helped them a lot. After surgery, they have been very impressed with the results and very supportive.

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

I am a teacher, so I was off of work for the summer while I recovered. I did tell my co-workers (and anyone else who will listen!) about my adventure. This is such an epidemic, I feel that everyone needs to be better informed about obesity and its treatments.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. My procedure was open. The first few days were very hard. My pain was well-controlled, but I was still very sore. I think it is very important to bring things to keep you occupied! I read a lot of magazines and a couple books.

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

I didn't have any complications.

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 felt relieved that I was finally going to go through with the process and get my new life! I coped with the anxiety of the approaching date by preparing for my trip. I did everything I could think of in order to get ready.

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

My first few weeks home were hard in regards to learning how to eat again. I had to experiment with what foods settled well and which ones didn't. I did tire easily.

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

I traveled to Curitiba, Brazil. For aftercare, I have been visiting my own local PCP.

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.

Beans have been off-limits! I have been able to eat most foods. Sometimes milk is a little hard, and I have to watch my sugars. With that said, I can tolerate most foods very well.

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

My activity level has been slowly increasing. I am about 9 weeks out as of now, and I'm still not as active as I would like to be yet.

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

I take 3 multi-vitamins that are formualted for bariatric patients, two Creamy Bites (calcium citrate), and 1 B-12 each day.

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?

It was difficult to sleep for about 2 weeks. It was hard to position myself comfortably. After that, it got a lot easier.

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

I think the worst part of the process was the immediate post-op phase. I had to re-learn eating, deal with bathroom issues, etc. Thankfully, the worst has now passed!

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

I don't have an aftercare/support group to go to. I don't know anyone else local who has had this procedure. I rely on the obesityhelp.com boards to help me when I need to chat with others who are like me!

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

My scar is still fairly pink and thick. I wasn't too concerned about the scar. I have never been one to bare my belly, anyway!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since I'm only 9 weeks out, I haven't hit a plateau, yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed that people like to watch me eat! People are very curious as to how much I can eat and what I can eat.