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

My sister and I talked about this quite a bit and we both agreed that we would do something about it before we ended up like our mom. She learned about this surgery from one of her doctors and told me about it, and gave me the phone number to call. It seemed too good to be true. I was scared but researched it online quite a bit and thought it would be wonderful. But in the back of my mind I always believed it would not work for me.

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

I had no problems getting insurance approval. I just let my doctor's office deal with it and I got approval within 24 hours of my doctors office faxing the request.

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

My surgeon is the best!! I never felt rushed, he took his time explaining everything to me and making sure that he answered all of my questions. I liked him from the moment I met him and have never been disappointed by his abilities or his personality. He is a caring doctor who wants to help his patients and make sure that they are always informed of everything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing what the outcome of my life would be like if I did not do something. I wanted to see my children grow up and I wanted my life back!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor made that decision.

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 really not worried. I was scared mostly that it would not work, but as for the complications I figured whatever they would be I would still wake up with both of my legs so it wouldnt matter.

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 was very supportive of me. They were wonderful before and after and still are. I did have some negitave comments from my in-law family but I knew it was my life, my body and my choice. I did what was right for me and have never regretted it.

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

I told my supervisor as soon as I went on the list to get a consult what I was doing and that whenever I got a date that I would need time off. I work for the schools and hoped to have it during the summer break. However as fate would have it my surgery was the second day of school. :) I told my boss as soon as I got the date and she was so wonderful about helping me know what paperwork I needed to get done, and telling me to take my time and come back when I was able. She was exceptionally supportive of me and has always told me how great I am doing. She is an exceptional boss.

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

my stay in the hospital was fine. The staff was great. I was there for 2 nights.

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

no

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 very excited,and scared. I kept telling myself it would work, but wondered. I just concentrated on getting more information on the surgery and on my goal. The ObesityHelp site was a lifesaver!! This is where I got 99% of my information on the surgery. The before and after pic.s were just so inspirational to me!! I thought Wow I can do this!!!!

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

My first week home I was very tired and sore, but it was not so bad because I had my family to help me. You will really need to make sure that you have someone to help you out. It will take you awhile to get back on your feet again, and you will have to make sure that you do rest and follow your doctors instructions, it will greatly help with your healing time.

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

40 miles It wasnt so bad, right off the interstate

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 was on a liquid diet, then soft foods and finally solids. I could not eat any sweets at first but at about 6 weeks out I found that I could eat about anything. I dont think this is a good thing for me. But the only foods that I have any problems with are sometimes chicken. I am not sure why but I do get sick, not to the point of throwing up anymore (between 6 weeks out and 6 months post-op I did throw up because of this at times) I still have to make sure I eat slowly but the only thing that I have found that makes me dump is brown sugar and when I eat sweets with any milk product, then I do dump.

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

at first it was very low, but as time has gone on, it has gone up. I have found that the more I exercise the higher my level goes. Its great, I can do things I never could do before.

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

I take liquid calicum twice a day multi-vitamin twice a day liquid B12 3-5 times a week Biotin (for my hair) daily

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?

throwing up was the worst for me, but I have always hated that. I had this problem until about 5 months out and then I finally learned to stop eating certain foods. It takes me awhile :)

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

the waiting for a date

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

I attend a support group at the hospital where I had my surgery. It has been very helpful to me and I enjoy going. I learn a lot from others there that are further out than I am and they have some really good guest speakers at times. I have also helped to start a local support group meeting. That has been wonderful for me esp. watching others go through the entire process. What a wonderful feeling.

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

I had my surgery lap, so I only have 6 small scars and they are not even noticable. I think its great, if I only did not have a huge scar from c-sections.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had some plateau's and they are horriable!!! Its very frustrating to get "stuck" at any weight, but when I get to those, I just tell myself, its ok, and where would I be now if I hadnt had this surgery. I try to make sure I am getting my protein, enough to drink, and all my exercise. I try to change my schedule to get the weight moving again and then learn to be patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, I notice some folks who would never speak to me before now are very nice. Men notice me more now, which I really only notice because my husband notices. After 15 years of marriage he is becoming insecure. I tell him, he knows me, he loved me when I was overweight and that really means a lot. I would never leave him for someone who would have never looked twice at me before. He has been there through it all. But some people who I thought would be supportive of me have had some really negitive things to say to me now that I have lost weight. Its funny how differently I am treated by most people, and even frustrating to me. There are times when I want to say "hey I am the same person I was 100 pounds ago, why didnt I matter then???" But I just go on.