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

While I have know about WLS for a long time, I never really considered it until a friend of mine had Lap band surgery. Suddenly, I realized it could be a real option for me. As I saw here lose weight I realized it wasn't the easy way out, but a real way out.

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 easy as pie. I have to thank my Dr.'s office for that. They took care of the whole thing for me and it went like clock work.

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

My first visit with my doctor scared the heck out of me. He told me the realities of WLS and I left there and didn't go back for 4 months. He told me I wasn't a good candidate for the band which is what I wanted to do. Unfortunately, I had well over 100 pounds to lose so he didn't recommend it. He recommended RNY but, I wasn't willing to take the risks. He also told me about the sleeve but my insurance didn't cover it. I asked him a lot of questions and he answered honestly. I appreciated his candor and really respect him for it. My advise... research before you go for your first visit. Take a list of questions and ask them all! Don't be afraid any of them are silly. If you don't ask you won't get answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Research... I looked at the different surgeries and their risks. Then I weighed my desired weight loss with the options. Finally, I decided what I was willing to risk vs. how much I wanted to lose. It seemed like the Vertical Sleeve was the best fit for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As I researched the different surgeries I decided the sleeve was right for me. I knew I would have to do what ever I needed to to have it. I went back after 4 months of research and told him I wanted a sleeve. My insurance still didn't cover it, but I had heard rumors they would in a few months.

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 knew that complications were possible but with the surgery I had chosen less likely than with others. I talked to my Dr. about his complication rate and felt I was comfortable with that. Choose a Dr. who has not had a lot of complications. Find one who has done many of the type of surgery you are opting for. Experience pays off.

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?

Most of my family members were initially shocked that I was considering something "so radical". Eventually, they remembered that I never make decisions quickly and trusted my judgment. I wouldn't have done it any differently. I told everybody and I am glad I did. Everybody has been very supportive since my surgery.

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

My principal was very supportive. I told her what I was doing and she has asked good questions and made it very easy for me. I didn't miss any work because I am a teacher and had my surgery over the summer.

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

My first seminar was very exciting. I was very informed because I had done a lot of research. I was surprised though how many people hadn't done any research. I would love to attend now know what I know, and having gone through it. I think Docs should invite former patients in to talk to prospective patients. As a newbie, I wanted to talk to the people who had been in the trenches the most.

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

The hospital staff was wonderful. Most of them were very knowledgeable about my surgery. I was only there for a little over 24 hours, so my stay wasn't long. I took a lot of things I really didn't need with me. I think the most important things to bring are comfortable clothes to go home in and slip on shoes. I was glad to have my flip flops to slide in to because I had to do a lot of walking.

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

I didn't have any complications.

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 pretty tired and sore for the first four days. After that I felt wonderful. I even went to the grocery store with my husband on day five. I really didn't have any anxiety other than making sure I got in enough protein. I had done my research and made an informed decision, so I was happy to continue on my journey.

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

The first week was the hardest. I was real sore for the first four or five days. I also really got sick of the things I had bought to eat for my full liquids phase. I recommend buying a variety and making sure you like those things before the surgery. Also... make sure you have a good blender or food processor for this phase. You will get sick of eating the same old things. ALSO... be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and read them carefully. If you eat something you aren't supposed to it will cause you to worry you are going to mess up your new stomach.

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

I was only a few miles from home which worked very well for me. No long rides and immediate aftercare if I needed it.

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 haven't eaten any rice or had any soda since my surgery. My doctor recommended against it. I stay away from bread and pasta mostly. I am careful to keep my carbs, fats, and sugars low and my protein high. I have not had any problems eating any foods that I have tried, but I still try to eat sensibly and work the gift I have been given.

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

I could only walk for the first couple of weeks and I tried to increase how far I went daily. After that I added using my wii and doing things that weren't strenuous and wouldn't hurt me. After 6 or 8 weeks I began doing Dance, Dance Revolution and started going to Zumba class. I have seen my activity level increase as the weight drops and I feel more able to participate in life in general.

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

I take the vitamins my doctor has told me to. 2 multi vitamins a day, B-12 once a week, and Calcium three times 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 haven't suffered from nausea, vomiting, or sleep disturbance. In fact I sleep better than I have in years. The first few days were hard because I am a side sleeper and it was difficult for me to sleep on my back. That went away quickly. I haven't had any dumping, but that isn't a normal characteristic of my surgery. I have suffered some hair loss but not a significant amount. My hair is a little thinner so I had my stylist layer it and have started using a thickening shampoo. Hopefully it will work and if not... this isn't forever.

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

1. Mentally - Waiting... after I finally decided to do it there were a lot of hoops to jump through. When I finally got that done I had to wait to be approved and then wait for my surgery date. I thought it would never come. 2. Physically - The pain the first 4 days was rough. It felt like my belly was on fire anytime I stood up or walked around. Pain killers prescribed by my doctor were my best friend.

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

My doctor's office has been wonderful. I have had regular check ups to make sure I am doing well. The hospital has offered monthly support group meetings that have proven to be very informative and helpful. Also, the geriatric department at the hospital has people who are always available to answer questions and help with concerns. Web sites like this one and one dedicated to sleeve surgery have been wonderful as there are a lot of people out there who have gone through the same things as I have. I am so glad to have these resources available to me.

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

I have five scars ranging from about 1/4 an inch to about 1 inch. Most of them are barely noticeable and I have to really look for them to find them. They look like little pink stretch marks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had a real plateau. There have been weeks where I haven't lost but a pound or half a pound, but nothing lasting more than a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people do treat me differently. People tell me every day how great I am looking and have been very supportive. People I don't really know but I see around have come up to ask what I did. I have had a lot of people ask me to tell them what I have done and to give them information. Two people I know have now gone to my doctor for their first visit on their own journey.