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

I had a friend that went through it and talked extensively with her about the surgery. I am all for surgery if you have extinguised all of the other options and feel that this is a last resort. That is how I came to the decision to have it myself.

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

I was told at my consultation what was needed for me to get approval - once everything was turned in to my surgeon my insurance company approved it in two days. I was very lucky to have such a great insurance company. As far as advice, just make sure that you find out what your insurance company requires ahead of time so that you can get it all together to turn in for approval.

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

My initial consultation with my surgeon was wonderful. He told me of all my options for surgery asked very thorough questions and was very informative and personable. You can get the most out of your consultation by writing down all your questions so that you don't forget to ask your surgeon anything that may be of a concern to you or someone that is supporting you on your WLS journey.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have fought my weight as long as I can remember and researched the surgery thoroughly before coming to the decision to go through with it, however; the surgeon I chose made me feel such at ease that it was very easy to decide to go through with the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went on the advice of my surgeon based upon my current eating habits.

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 am not afraid at all due to the overwhelming response from people who have used my surgeon for themselves. I attend support groups already to stay informed.

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 they were afraid because all you here is the negative, however; after the procedure and research was explained to them they have been very supportive of my decision and can't wait to see the results.

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

Not employed - have own business with spouse.

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 wonderful. The nurses were amazing and everything was very accomadating. I had surgery on Thursday and was discharged on Saturday morning. You should definitely bring your own pjs if you feel up to put them on and toothbrush and toothpaste your mouth feels yucky. I also brought lots of reading material.

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 felt great in the weeks after surgery. I got sick a couple of times from eating too much but you only learn from your mistakes and then eat less next time. I am so glad that I did this for me.

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

Never am hungry and just drink, drink, drink. Once you can have food just remember to take it slow and pace your meals out over 30 minutes. Small bites make it easier and I lived on cottage cheese and cream of wheat for a week. Then couldn't wait to add mashed potato and scrambled egg. A little variety sure does help it along.

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

The hospital I went to have surgery at was 45 minutes from my 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.

In the weeks following my surgery I was able to do thick liquids such as cream of wheat, protein shakes, yogurt and cottage cheese. Now at four months I am able to eat just about anything - except if it is meat it has got to be really moist or it does not go down well. I just say get in your protein, water and exercise and you will do great after surgery.

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

I was able to walk around and felt really good. Then at my one month visit I was given the ok to exercise. I do jazzercise and curves every day but Sunday and am so happy to be able to exercise again. I feel great.

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

I am taking chewable vitamins(Flintstones). I now have switched to Optisource chewable vitamins that are made especially for post bariatric patients. They have tons of vitamins and nutrients and don't taste to bad either.

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?

The worse side effect for me is gas. When you go to pass gas you need to be in the bathroom because most likely it will turn into a bowel movement(all loose in the beginning).

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

Not really anything - I would have to see just waiting for the surgery date to arrive.

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

My surgeon has a support group that meets the first Thursday of the month and then will change to the first Wednesday of the month in August so that the surgeons can come to the meeting. It is very helpful and important to hear what others have gone through that have had the same surgery. I also get lots of tips from people that are further along post-op than I am and look forward to going each month.

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

My scars are finally starting to shrink down and I help that along with vitamin e and I am going to buy Mederma to reduce the scars. They really aren't that big, however; I know that they are still there and want to fade them out.