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

A co-worker told me, then a friend had the surgery done and after that I decided I wanted to try it. I felt it was my last chance to lose weight.

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

The first attempt to get the surgery approved was denied. They said I had to go see a dietician for 6 months. After I did that they approved it the first time. I would say, make sure you have all your supporting documents and everything they ask for. Don't get discouraged.

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

My first visit with Dr Baker went well. He was very compassionate and explained everything so that I had no fears. Make sure you ask a lot of questions. The Doctors are very eager to answer them for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was my last hope of ever losing weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt with the LapBand I would be able to cheat and not lose the weight, plus, I didn't want that thing in my body. I felt that the Gastric Bypass was what I needed to do to have the desired weight loss and keep it off.

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 really didn't have any fears, other than the normal ones for any surgery you have. I felt I could die with any kind of surgery and this was a surgery I felt I really needed. I really didn't think I would have any complications.

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?

I told very few people. I mainly told my family. They were all very supportive and realized it was a big step for me. They were and still are very supportive of me.

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

My supervisor was completely in favor of my decision. I told her I was going in for Gastric Bypass surgery. I was out 2 full weeks and the third week i worked half days.

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

My hospital say was nice. I was there from Monday to Wednesday. I really didn't take anything with me.

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

No complications at all.

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 and was just wanting the date to hurry up and get here.

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

I tend to heal quickly. I was up and around not long after the surgery. I did have to take it easy, but I only needed to use any pain medication twice after getting home. We lived in a 2 story house with the bedroom upstairs, so i was going up and down the stairs the first day after getting home. I don't know if I'm different from other people, but I was doing great after about the first 2 or 3 days.

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

I would say 25 miles

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.

I could eat just abut anything that was "legal" to eat. I didn't eat sugars, or other things that the books said I shouldn't. I CAN eat chicken, pork and steak. i do stay away from fried foods, and fatty foods. I do try to keep the foods I eat in the required fat and carb counts. I really had no problems with any of the foods I ate.

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

Very light. Just letting my body heal and recoup.

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

B-Complex, Calcium chewables, Flintstones chewables. I do ow eat protein bars to make sure I get the required grams of protein.

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!!!!

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

Waiting to get approved.

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

I didn't go to any aftercare support group. For some people it may have been needed, but my support was my husband and he continues to be my best supporter

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

I had 7 approximately 1 to 2 inch incision for the surgery I had. 3 years later i can't even see where they are. So, I'm very happy at the appearance of my scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had NONE at all!!!! I was very lucky in that respect.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People are more friendly to me and look at me more with admiration instead of disgust!!!!