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

from friends...scared but hopeful that I could and would follow thru.

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

first policy was very hard to navigate, and original doctors office was no help. second required a 6 month diet monitered by Dr Barker...which seems a little silly considering how many diets I had been on over the years with no success. But they could not know that. Document EVERY problem that is caused from your weight, ie cysto-fibrosus(?)

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

was a little rushed, but I questions written down, and had my husband with me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

nothing was changing for the good with my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had originally wanted a lap-band because it did not seem so FINAL. but after researching and having a friend have bad results from one, made me switch to bypass.(plus my insurer deemed lap-band "experimental"!

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?

was afraid of the impact it would have on my family...which is probably why I am here in the first place...NEVER putting myself FIRST!

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?

most thought I was not heavy enough to warrent such a drastic measure. But they have all been supportive.

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

they were only concerned about the time I would be un-able to work. They don't think medical issues should affect your working time! (only in first week post-op)

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

not very restful...but that is the norm. Only there from friday at 1pm til sunday 5pm

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

hole torn in esphogus by air tube, which caused the extra day stay, and added week of clear liquid diet to insure healing.

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

tried not to think about it by staying busy prepping for afterwards.

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

don't try to be tough, take your pain meds so that you can get enough rest. I can't stress enough how much better and faster I healed with sleep/rest.

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

less than 10 miles from 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.

since I am such a short timer, the only intolerance I have encountered was to broth. first cup I smelled was so dis-tasteful....but as time went on was able to finally drink it(after about 3 days) the clear liquid stage is only hard for me because of the need to chew on something!

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

first couple of days , only activity was to and from the toilet, with a little walk up and down the hallways. but during the first full week at home, short walks every 2-3 hours made me feel better

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

Multi-vitamin, cal-citrate,b-12, prevacid(all soluable) with the protein drinks a must. only thing to watch for is if you have a thyroid condition- DON"T use soy products-they will elevate your tsh levels. so your protein suppliment should NOT be soy based whey.

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?

none yet

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

the doubt when you wake up. What have I gotten myself into?

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

support group thru doc office monthly. on-line support group also

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

much smaller, but more of them!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet, only curious about the surgery.