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

Read about it and wanted to know more. Thus the research phase started on the internet.

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

My insurance company sent my information to an outside consulting firm to assure that I really needed the surgery for my health. My advice is to never give up and if you are turned down find out if they have an outside consulting firm they can send your information to. That gives the insurance company the advantage of an outsiders opinion of your medical necessity. I called the customer service department every single day and when I finally got approval, they cried along with me. We even became so friendly with each other we exchanged Christmas cards.

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

My first vist was very pleasant and informative. Go in and ask every imaginable question from having an NG tube post op to hair loss. My doctor was great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being overweight and hurting all the time. Got so very tired of all the medications to attempt to control the diabetes, which was not working.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor discussed all the surgeries and told me that as a diabetic he would recommend the RNY Laproscopic, even though I was more interested in the Lap-band procedure.

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 I would not make it thru the procedure and wouldn't be there for my children. I want to see them grow up and have their own children.

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 husband and children are just as excited as I am to know that I will be a healthier person than I am now. My mother is a bit reluctant, and most likely thinks I am going to extremes. OK, now that I am 22 weeks out -- my mother is as happy as I am that I am a much healthier person. My husband and children are excited to have a healthier person among them. My daughter is jealous though because I can shop in the Jrs section now and all the guys check me out....LOL. I am having a blast!!!

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

He was actually supportive. I hestitated at first to tell him what exactly it was that I was having done, but now I am glad that I told him and all my co-workers as well. Even though there are a few people that insist on telling me the horror stories. Everyone is very supportive still at 22 weeks post op. Most of them are very complimentary of my appearance and tell me how much better I look and how nice I dress.

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

My hospital stay was ok, not enjoyable but ok. I walked a lot and drank lots of water. Got sick the last night there with fever and diarrhea, thought I was doomed for another night in the hospital. Stayed 3 nights. Definately bring music and lip balm!

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

No 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?

Felt weak and tired. However, returned to work after 2 weeks. Then got a stomach bug and was readmitted to hospital for dehydration. That took several weeks to get over. But felt much better once my system was over it all.

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

Be prepared to be tired a lot!! You will need rest.

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

3 hours away from my home. My Dr was always available by phone and even drove to see me at my home when I was sick 2 weeks post op. He is now located in the city close to me. I definately love having him closer to me, even though he has become extremely busy.

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.

Anything high in fat or fried has been a no no for me. Don't do well with pasta, rice, or breads. Eating lunchables for meals most of the time. Trying to get my protein in and it is tough. One day something settles very well with you, then the next day or month it is a no no food. Strange how the body responds to this surgery. Foods that I use to love taste horrible now! I guess that is a good thing though.

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

Felt very tired and worn out until about my 12th week. Then it all got much better. I still have my slump days but I find that if I rest everything is better the next morning.

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

Multivitamin pill form 1 a day. Vitamin B12 pill 1 every other day. Ultra Nurish Hair vitamin 2 a 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?

Had dumping on everything -- including plain protein -- Yes I said on everything. That was terrible but went away at week 13. Still feel a little yucky at times after I eat, but don't dump 3 times a day anymore. Just started with the hair loss 2 weeks ago. Hopefully that will stop soon too.

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

The dumping and the way it makes you feel afterwards. At 22 weeks now, there is not bad part to any of it. I feel absolutely wonderful and have my life back, not to mention that I am only 15 pounds to my goal.

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

Attend once a month support group meetings here locally. I have been to one meeting so far, since it is still new to the area I am unsure about the helpfulness of it.

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

Have 4 small scars, not bad at all. Completely what I expected, have had surgeries before.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit several plateaus, they suck!!! I noticed during the first one that I had to increase my water and protein. It gave me the boost I needed. The second time I increased my water again and started exercising. This last time I decreased my water and exercise for a week, I know that sounds crazy but I followed the advice and it worked.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh by all means!!! Some people I work with have gotten very jealous that I have lost weight, and of course they haven't. Men take notice of me again, yes that does feel good. However, my hubby is all I want. But it is nice that people realize I am still alive!