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

I first found out about it through the media. My impression was, "Wow. That's cool. I wonder how much it costs."

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

I got approval right away. I have Medica, which is the best to have going into this process. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea while in the long pre surgery process, so I didn't have to go through 3 months of dietitian appointments. I wanted this to happen faster than that, so I got my wish, but the dietitian appointments are very helpful so I probably missed out on alot too.

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

My first and only visit with my surgeon was pretty good. He was understanding and realistic. I do wish that I would have had more interaction with him before my surgery though.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Looking in the mirror... and not believing that my husband would stay faithful to me our whole marriage if I didn't lose weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided against lap band because my clinic pretty much down played it to me. They said it was less successful, and a much slower process. I want weight loss, so I chose Gastric Bypass.

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 am getting surgery in 2 days and I am nervous. I slipped on my pre op diet more than I thought that I would. I kept thinking that I would never taste this again, so I better do it now. I am hoping it doesn't ruin my surgery. I also fear complications because it sounds horrendous, but I don't really believe I will die. If I do, I know Christ so I will go to Heaven, but I would feel bad for my husband because we are addicted to each other.

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 only have told 4 people. My mom seems supportive but worried that I may not be able to handle the life change set before me. My dad was not interested at all. My friend only talked about herself for the most part, and my husband of course is terrific... even though he casts a few negatives here and there periodically.

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

I didn't tell my boss that I was having bypass surgery. I only told him I am having surgery. I think I lost my job now though, so it really doesn't matter what he thinks.

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

I felt like the lady giving the seminar was a little full of herself. She talked about herself like she was amazing... Gastric Bypass did the work for her. It's not like she worked hard to lose weight or anything.

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

I was in the hospital 2 days after surgery. It was horrible. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't pee and had a catheter put in. Still don't understand why I couldn't go to the bathroom. I was extremely nauseated constantly. Most important thing to bring: the ambition to start a life long journey.

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

I am 3 years post op and I still get nauseated all the time. I am underweight and malnourished. I have trouble getting the protein in. I am hypoglycemic. And I have low blood pressure. Even my good cholesterol is too low. I don't have health insurance so I can't go to the doctor. I am just trying to take as many vitamins as I can and trying to eat protein bars.

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 felt nauseated a lot. A little frustrated that I couldn't eat or drink without getting sick. I wound up in the hospital again for a few days for dehydration and because I couldn't eat anything. I liked being in the hospital because they helped me get my bearings back, and took really good care of me. I didn't really have much anxiety. I was just sick. I got really excited when I watched the scale drop right away in the first couple of weeks. I felt bloated a lot and it was difficult to pass gas. I was very tired for a while.

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

Nauseated. Dehydrated. Uncomfortable. Bloated and gassy without being able to pass it. Tired. Very dizzy at times.

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

I traveled about 30 minutes to have my 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 didn't tolerate milk, yogurt or ice cream well. I didn't tolerate peanut butter very well either. Slowly over time I have been able to tolerate more at one time, but I still have to make sure it's not very much. I can eat a lot more things now then I could after the first few months. Each person is different though. It's all trial and error. Hopefully you won't tolerate things you shouldn't eat so you don't gain your weight back. Nausea has been a good tool for me in that area, even though I hate being nauseated so often.

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

Didn't move much at first... Gotta let your body heal. I remember after I lost 100 lbs being able to run without getting winded. I started running around the lake and on the tread mill. I loved it. But I lost too much weight now and I'm not aloud to do that anymore. Gotta gain, not lose. Walking after the first week was mainly what I did.

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

B12 injections X2 monthly Iron supps vitamin C calcium Vitamin D Multi Vites Biotin - Helps with the hair loss

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?

NAUSEA and vomiting. I lost a LOT of hair too. I still get Nauseated. Sometimes vomit still. My stool is always loose. Still losing my hair 3 years later. The hair loss is scary. I am afraid of needing a wig down the road. Not what I anticipated when I got surgery.

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

Vomiting. Hypoglycemia. Hair loss. Frequent Nausea. Malnutrition. Immense loss of energy.

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

I really only go on Obesityhelp.com.

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

Can't barely see my scars at all. I expected them to stick around forever

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost weight very steadily through out the first year and a half. Didn't Platue until I hit 118 (thank God... I can't imagine losing any more weight) My goal was 160.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am hit on a lot. Told I am beautiful a lot. I hate that people find me more interesting now simply because I am thin. I certainly enjoy the attention. Some of my overweight family members and friends seem very self conscious and uncomfortable around me. It's like they feel like I put them to shame, but I just love them for who they are and wish that they would see that I am still the same person on the inside.