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

One of my good friends had it done. I thought she was crazy and was only doing it to keep her husband.

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

I filled out all the paperwork and jumped through their hoops and got approved with the first try. I called the insurance company every few days.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was a meet the surgeon meeting. He was great. He was very knowledgable and answered all of my crazy questions. Research the surgery so you know what he is going to be talking about and be prepared with questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being fat and wanted to be able to chase my son.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that I wanted the weight off now and knew that I was too impatient for the lap band. I also researched the long term success rated with the RNY.

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 horribly scared and prepared by getting a will. I told myself if I did everything like I was going to die I would be fine but if I did'nt do anything I would die. I know that sounds crazy but that is what I was thinking.

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 dad thought I was crazy and tried to talk me out of it. He continues to worry about me. A month after surgery I had eaten too much and my pouch hurt so I was laying down on the couch and when he came over and found out I did not feel good he wanted to take me to the hospital. He will always worry about me. My husband and mother were great. They said they would support me in anything I wanted to do. In hindsight I would have made my dad go to an informational meeting. He decided to reseach it on his own and drove me crazy with incorrect internet information and questions. Everyone was very supportive after surgery.

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

It was great. The nurses and support people were wonderful. I was there 2 nights. Bring your own soap and shampoo so you feel pretty after surgery. Also bring slipper so you can go walking.

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?

I was really worried. I am a teacher and was approved the day before school started but waited for surgery till fall break. It was a long 7 weeks. I kept wanting to reschedule surgery for right now. I knew I needed to save my sick time and sue the fall break week. I was worried about death so I made a will.

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

I was tired but wanted to be back to normal and do everything. Take your time and rest.

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

20 minutes - I was really lucky:-))

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.

Mashed potatos are hell - I ate my 4 ounces then they expanded and it hurt. Eggs are great till you eat them for 5 meals in a row and get gas and it gets stucks and hurts. MODERATION!! I have been very lucky with food. Everything I have tried I have been fine with. Still no sugar - I don't want to know if I can have it.

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

I have several close friends that have had the surgery. Friends are the most important part. I also go to a monthly support group through the hospital.

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

I had LAP and have 6 little scars. They are not bad at all. They are about what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hate PLATEAUS. I think I am on one right now. I have only lost 3 pounds in the past 3 weeks. I know it is not a real plateau I just think it is. I got a great diet off the site and it has helped.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They just say I look great. I want to ask how horrible did I look before. Men look at me now - I love that.