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

I learned of it years ago from hearing about others who had it. People in our town, along with well known individuals, but was afraid of it. I was afraid of the risks

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

My insurance approval was very easy. I really don't have any advice except to do what they are asking.

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

I was operated on Wednesday around 12:30 and I was discharged from the hospital around 4:30 on Friday. The staff at the hospital were fantastic. There is a special wing dedicated to just bariatric surgery. It was nice to be around others who had gone through the same thing.

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

NONE

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 really only had a few weeks before surgery. I don't think I was very worried at all. I just kind of knew that it was going to be all right. I put a lot of time in to getting my work in order so that helped make it go quicker. I talked to my husband and others about what I was going to do and any concerns I may have had.

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

I was tired. I didn't feel like even looking at food. I know that sounds unbelievable but it it what it is like. I made sure I drank all my fluids and ate what I had to when I had to. I have a fantastic husband that really helped with this. I think, for me, the drain was the worse part. I wasn't able to sleep lying down while I had it so I spent alot of my time in the recliner. Once the drain was pulled, I was on to healing like a trooper. I didn't take any pain medication after day 5 (after surgery, not of being home).

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

about 120 miles. It was a rough ride home, no doubt about that. And...it was somewhat bothersome to travel for those check ups. My doctor was leaving the practice about 4 months after my surgery so when it was time to see a different doctor within the practice, I chose to transfer my aftercare to a doctor in my hometown.

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.

Things I could eat - sugar free pudding, yogurt, jello, popsicles, etc... as long as they were with aspartame and not splenda. Splenda made and makes me ill. I was on liquids for 5 days and then pureed. While on pureed, I ate a lot of cottage cheese and sugar free applesauce. Scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pureed vegetables, protein drinks...the typical stuff. As time went on, I was able to add more items. I was not able to eat many carbs. They didn't agree with me. I still do not. I eat, fish, chicken, steak, pork, ham, and just about any other meat there is (that I like that is). I eat all vegetables raw or cooked. I can eat a small (about 1/8 c) of whole wheat pasta but that is about the extent of my pasta tolerance. I don't eat sugar. I have not tried but I don't want to. I am 14 months out from surgery and feel I can eat whatever I want. Granted, some things do agree with me, but I don't want to eat them then.

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

I walked as much as I could right away. My exercise is, quite honestly, not at the level it should be now. I don't exercise enough.

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

I take multi-vitamins, zinc and calcium. I took all of the recommended vitamins after surgery but tapered them off over the year.

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?

I had a considerable about of hair loss. Luckily, I had a full head of hair and it did come back. I really didn't have any nausea unless I ate something that didn't agree. I have had dumping a few times based on eating something I shouldn't. I coped with the hair loss by realizing I was healthier than I have ever been even if I didn't have thick hair. I just kept hoping it would come back and I worked with my beautician closely to make sure I was using the correct products. As far as coping with dumping, you just have to work through it. There isn't anything that can tell you how to be prepared for it. The best thing to know is that is does pass and if you dumped based on something you ate, don't eat it again.

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

I, honestly, would say the worst part has been my self image issues. I have people telling me all the time I look fantastic. I know I have lost weight, I know what size clothes I buy, but for some reason my mind still believes I am heavy. And....then there's the skin. I deal with it, but I am hoping I can have some removed. I would also say that my husband and I have had some adjustment issues to the new me. We have a very strong marriage which helps greatly, but we are both getting to know me all over again.

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

Monthy meetings with post op patients. I attend them now but didn't originally. I suggest everyone attend them. They do help.

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

6 small ones. Much less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit plateaus off and on. I am 14 months after surgery so I am not losing nearly like I used to. I may plateau for weeks and then drop 5 pounds in a week and then go back to not losing. I do notice that my inches change even when I am at a plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely! I can't explain why, but they do. People are much nicer and act as if they accept me now. I love that feeling.