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

Several co-workers had it-some were successful, some not. I really thought it was a "cop out".

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

Read the requirements and follow to the letter. I had no issues-I did what they told me to do.

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

It was awesome. He really understood my battle, and recommended the best surgery for my situation. I really thought I wanted the lap band, but ended up getting the RNY based on his recommendation. I've never regretted it. Be prepared, and write down your questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Once I was over 40 I knew I was on borrowed time before I'd get diabetes and high blood pressure. I needed a permanent solution, and I was willing to make the lifestyle changes to get there--I really needed a tool to help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, and surgeon's advice

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 very afraid-I knew one person that died from it, and two that almost did. However, both my parents died at very early age due to obesity related diseases. I had to take the chance at saving my life.

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 and kids were scared but supportive-most of my friends were also on board. I wouldn't change anything about how I told them-I was and am very open about my surgery and my story. I do have some friends that may be "jealous" of my success as they are obese and don't understand my new found health and fitness level.

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

I only took off 1 week-I really bounced right back after surgery because I exercised for 6 months before and I believe it really helped. My employer was extremely supportive! He had lap band surgery 2 weeks before my RNY...we went thru the journey together!

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Never attended one

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

Hospital stay was fine-I was up walking after 6 hours and only had 2 doses of pain meds. I was there for two nights, went home on day 3. Bring rubber bottomed slip on shoes (for walking) and baby wipes.

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

None 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-I really had my mind set and there was no going back!

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

Everyone is different. I was on my treadmill walking slowly the day I came home, and haven't stopped moving since. I was back at work in 1 week. I tend to bounce back easily from illnes/surgery.

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

6 miles from my house

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 am almost a year out. I still have not eaten sugar. I cannot tolerate fried foods and creamy sauces/dressings. If I eat too many carbs, I get a carb coma. I follow a strict diet of high protein and veggies, some fruit, greek yogurt. I eat very healthy and love to cook!

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

Day I got home on the treadmill (slowly of course) and haven't stopped since. I workout 6 days a week for at least an hour-right now I'm doing the P90X workouts and they are kicking my butt! Been doing some long hikes on the weekends.

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

Bariatric advantage multi chewable 2x a day, Bariatric Advantage chewable iron 1x day, and Caltrate calcium 3x 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?

Hair loss started at 4 months out-I'm just at 1 year now and it is slowing way down and I have tons of new growth coming out. I had very thick hair, so I never looked like my hair was thinning.

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

I have had no negative experiences! All positive-I wished I had done it sooner.

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

I rely on my friends on OH.

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

Almost completely faded-5 small spots look like large freckles. Better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None-I had a loss every week for the entire year-the past two weeks I've stayed the same, but it may be that my body is just finished losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I was always very confident regardless of my weight, but people seem to respect what I say more-and it cracks me up how men flirt now...my dear husband still treats me wonderfully-when he takes my new pics for my update we always look back at the whole series and he says he just doesn't remember me being that big...