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

I read of a seminar in my hometown and when I went to it, I learned so much. Then I went online to research bariatric surgery and learned so much more.

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

My clinic was excellent in helping me get everything all together for my insurance approval. I never had any problems at all.

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

My surgeon was very business-like and informative at our first visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt like this was my only chance of success.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I never looked at any other methods but I liked the idea of laproscopic gastric bypass because of its success rate, low risks, and short hospital stay and recovery time.

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 prayed alot about my decision and finally reached the point of feeling at peace with my decision. I totally felt the comfort and safety from God regarding my surgery. I wanted this surgery so much but could only do it if I felt at peace with it.

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 husband totally supported me because he knew how unhappy and self conscious I was being overweight and he wanted me happy. My children supported me but were more concerned about losing their mom. My friends were good about this too but some are feeling a little jealous now which is sad and totally not necessary! I am still the same person inside.

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

My boss was very supportive and understanding. Even excited for me. I like that. I told him everything about it. I was gone a total of two weeks which included my hospital stay and recovery at home period.

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

My hospital stay was fine but I wish I could have been on the baiatric floor instead of cardiology floor. I understand the need, though, and appreciate that they were very careful with my health. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and went home on Thursday. There really isn't much to bring but I wish I would have had shampoo instead of bar soap for washing my hair on my day of release. I also brought my own robe and slippers.

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

No complications other than watching my heart for any problems which was fine. All went well.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Excited is the only word I can say. I was totally at peace with my decision by then and finally had some hope for my future!

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

I cam home from the hospital on a Thursday and by the next day I felt almost 100%! I never had any pain and I had so much energy and an excitement for my future! I feel bad that some people have discomfort so I feel lucky I didn't suffer. I guess it woud be best to expect the worst and then hopefully be pleasantly surprised if it works out well.

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

I had to travel 1 hour which was no problem at all before, during, or after surgery.

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 was never hungry at first so I didn't mind being on a clear liquid diet for two weeks after surgery. Going on pureed foods was a little scary for me because I thought I would gain weight eating real food. Also, I had to make sure I didn't overeat so I wouldn't get "too full" which is very uncomfortable.

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

I feel like I have much more energy. I don't know if this is from actually losing weight or maybe just the "freedom" I feel inside from having this surgery to drastically improve my health.

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

They have me on a chewable multi-vitamin so far. Calcium and B-12 will be added as necessary.

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 have only had one bad experience since it has only been two weeks since my surgery and that was just the other night when I tried beer/cheese soup in a restaurant. It must have been too rich for me because I got sick from it and had stomach pains for hours. I will avoid anything that seems too rich for me. Home cooking is safer.

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

The waiting, waiting, waiting and doing all the necessary tests needed to go ahead with surgery. I know it's important but it is very stressful.

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

I only have Obesityhelp.com right now but I hope to find a support group that I can join and talk to other people who have gone through what I did for moral support and answer questions I might have.

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

Very tiny and nice. Only one sort of bothered me because it was under my waistband of my clothing and the tape fell off. I don't worry about little scars since I have others from previous surgeries.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet but when I do I will try to remember that it only means my body is only trying to adjust to things and it will pass and I will soon be losing again. Meanwhile I would keep on exercising and eating as I had been.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Too soon really but I guess I have noticed that people have this incredible guilt when eating in front of me.....like they feel they should be eating the way I do. That is silly and I wish they would just act normal. Also, I am surprised at how some people act a little jealous now. Like maybe they felt they had something over me or were better than me and now I am going to be a threat to them and their self-esteem. Again, silly.