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

I worked for a bariatric surgeon before I was too overweight. I always knew of the complications and everything, I just couldn't afford it. I wanted it badly and it seemed it was always out of reach.

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

I knew my insurance wouldn't cover it. I had to pay cash.

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

My first visit was pretty simple. I had worked for a bariatric surgeon before so I knew what to expect surgery wise. I just asked more questions about the after care program, what to eat and not eat.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My employer made it possible to have the surgery deducted from my paycheck over a period of time. So now I could afford it! My best friend was going through the same thing and we decided to have our surgery together. It helps to have a friend that is going through the same thing with you. We are each others support group.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the Gastric Sleeve. I didn't want anything foreign in my body and I didn't want anything rerouted. With the Sleeve, this is my stomach, just smaller and I'm not hungry.

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 worried about waking up out of Anesthesia and feeling that tube come out of my throat. My doctor assured me that I wouldn't and he was right. I remember them putting the mask on my face then waking up in recovery. After that I was really relieved!

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 feel they have been supportive. I don't think I could have done it if my husband wouldn't have supported me. He said that if this is what it takes to make me feel better about myself, then he was behind me no matter what. He's never stopped loving me even before the surgery.

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

They were happy for me. I had surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on Tuesday of the next week. I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I probably should have stayed out another day, but I was OK!

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

I stayed 2 days in the hospital. I brought a bunch of crap I didn't need. Really all you need is your toothbrush and a change of clothes, the hospital will provide everything you need.

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

I didn't have any complications but I did find out that I had a hiatel hernia that was fixed at the same time. Hey - at least it's fixed now!

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

After the surgery the hardest part was not eating. Even though I wasn't hungry I wanted something in my mouth to chew. I felt a little depressed that I couldn't have some things, but realized that it wasn't good for me and I went through the surgery for a reason. Eating something I wasn't supposed to would ruin what good I was starting.

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

The first few weeks I was very tired. My tastes changed. I felt it took a while to get over the anesthesia, like my brain wasn't working properly yet. It gets better!

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

I only had to travel about an hour from home for my surgery. I live in Greenville, TX and my surgery was in Garland, TX. I wouldn't have changed that.

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

I take Bariatric Advantage vitamin supplements, prevacid solutab for reflux and try to make sure I get 60 grams of protein and 64 fl oz a day.

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 was only nauseated the first couple of days. I do try to make sure that I chew thoroughly otherwise I feel it gets stuck and I really don't want to throw up. Haven't thrown up yet - knock on wood.

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

So far I would say the dry mouth. Its getting better with more liquids that I can tolerate but I hated that.

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

I have my best friend that went through the same surgery on the same day that has help tremendously. But also, I use Nova Body Solutions Support group at the hospital.

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

I had the surgery lap so my incisions are only about an inch long and barley noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There have been a couple of weeks that I have only lost 1 pound and that was a little depressing but it picks right back up and I continue losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just compliments coming my way every day! I love it.