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

I've had friends who have had this surgery done and watched them but I thought I'd never do it. I thought somehow a miracle pill would come around and cure me. My sister had it and I thought she should wait for the miracle also. However, at 45 I now realize this is the best way to health and I also don't have time to wait anymore if I want to truly enjoy my life.

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

This was really the easy part. I had to have a Psych exam and then within one day it was done.

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

My first visit with my Dr. would have been disappointing if it wasn't for this site. I had all my questions lined up and answered and I also didn't expect him to babysit me through all the questions since I had gotten most answers here already.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My age, my weight, my health, wanting to be here longer...just to mention a few.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched everything and felt that lap rny was my best shot. I didn't want the open because it gives you more chances of infection, more down time, more chance of hernia, etc. I found the best lap surgeon in the world (my opinion) and went for it.

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 did have some fears. But I put it in God's hands and trusted him. I wrote my "last letters" etc for peace of mind, but honestly I knew everything would be ok.

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?

At first my husband and daughter were against it. They thought I was "fine". After talking to them about how I felt about being obese all of my life and how it had affected me they realized I had not entered it half heartedly and they supported me 100%.

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

My boss was totally supportive. All of them were. I told them the truth. I was excited and had to share. I have that kind of personallity. Forget hiding anything with me. I was out about 6 weeks.

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

I had a wonderfuly hospital. The staff were great. I was only in there about 1/ 1/2 days. Everyone treated me with respect and care and they gave me anything I could have wanted. I took a pair of pajamas, robe and slippers. My own shampoo and makeup. My brush and blowdryer for my trip home.

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

I had no complications. Everything has been like a dream. I wake up every day grateful for this lifesaving decision.

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 was so excited. I told everyone. I didn't care who. I had anticipation but no anxiety. The only way I could work through my nervous energy was to research some more. I got such good info on Obesityhelp.com. It was a lifesaver for me. Even now after 4 1/2 months I am online with this site for at least 1/2 hour a day.

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

The first few weeks after your release will be difficult. Not terrible just having to learn the new way of eating and everything takes a lot of work. Its worth it though. And if you have bad experiences just remember, tomorrow can be totally different! Just because you can't tolerate a food one day doesn't mean you won't be able to next week or next month.

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

I drove about 50 miles. Aftercare has been wonderful, although the support group has been harder now that its winter. Hopefully I'll go in the spring and summer. Obesityhelp.com has been my support group.

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.

At first I dumped severely with Crystal Lite. Now its ok. I can't drink milk, it makes me nauseous. Basically I can eat lots of foods but breads are not good for me. I can eat rice though. Sugar doesn't make me dump, which is no big deal because sugar was never much of a temptation to me anyway. Fried foods make me feel bad. (thats a good thing). I basically ate what I wanted for Christmas and Thanksgiving, it was just small amounts. It was wonderful.

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

4 days after my surgery I went shopping. I was gone about 3 hours and then I was kind of tired. Within another week I could go for much longer than that. I pretty much took it easy the first week and then I did whatever I chose. I took off about 6 weeks total. I could have gone back sooner probably but I figured....why?????

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

I take Flintstone/complete. 3 a day. I take 2 xtra strenth tums. I take 1000 mg. of Biotin. Thats it.

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?

Right now I am going through hair loss. Its kinda scary but I'm dealing with it. I'm hoping it will stop soon.

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

Realizing I could have had this done years ago and felt healthier, younger, and happier. But its ok. To regret the past is to rob the future.

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

My doctor has a support group but I have never gone. It probably would be great for me. I substitute this web site instead. Also, I have 5 friends that have all had this and we talk all the time.

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

5 1/2 inch scars. The new ones are great! The old one from a previous gall bladder surgery stands out more now. It was done open.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Oh boy, its normal. After 1 month I had a 3 week plateau! Then the next month I had another 2 week plateau! Now at 4 1/2 months out I have only lost 6 pounds this month. But you know what...its ok. Its coming off! I've lost a total of 66 pounds since Aug 16. I feel wonderful. I wish the plateaus didn't happen but they're there for a reason and hopefully I'll learn the lessons that I'm supposed to from them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sorry to say this but ....yes, they do. I am given more respect. I earned a Leadership award at my job this year. I have top brass talking to me differently. My co-workers are all very happy for me and supportive of me. People just generally look at me differently now.