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

A friend told me and I looked it up on the net. I was sceptical at first, but I did a lot of research and spoke to a lot of success stories.

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

I was with BC/BS and had gotten denied several times. Finally my company changed to Aetna and 2 days after submitting for approval I was approved!

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

Informative to some degree. The surgeon isn't a very warm person but he is very good at what he does. Thats the most important thing.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Increasing health problems: diabetes uncontrolled with meds, High B/P, and increasing shortness of breath on minimal exertion.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Whatever the insurance approved!

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 really felt that the complications weren't an issue with me. I had been so sick and tired of being "sick and tired" that I would have risked any complication.

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 family was leary but supportive of my decision.

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

My employer wasn't aware of the type of surgery I was having. I felt it was a personal thing and no one elses business. I work for a large company who the higher ups wouldn't know even who I am let alone care about my daily life.

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

Lip gloss! My lips felt like parchment. Also I was very hot and had my husband bring in a small fan. I was there 4 days. The nurses weren't very helpful, they pretty much stayed away from the room. Thank goodness my husband was able to stay with me the 2nd and 3rd night.

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

No.

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 in alot of pain the first 2 weeks. I was unable to take the pain meds with out feeling nausea. I was a nervous wreck when it came to trying new foods. It took a few weeks before I finally tried more then liquids.

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

Get plenty of rest the first 2 weeks I was very tired all the time. After that I was fine.

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

I had an hour ride. The aftercare there has a lot to be desired. The surgeon sort of uses you to boost his ego and doesn't really have much knowledge of after surgery nutrition.I had a problem with constipation and he said drink more water. When I told him I drink lots of water and to no avail. He said "drink more" That was it! I would have to drive for 1 hour each way and wait for 2-3 hours in the office clinic setting. He also said I'm in no need for labs after this surgery. I have researched this enough to know if I wait till I feel sick it will be harder to build back up. You really need to monitor things closely especially the first 2 years. His idea of vitamins is 2 childrens chewables. Thats it. I take at least 13 vitamins a day now and am feeling great.

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 on liquids for 2 weeks then pureed foods for a month. I progressed to soft foods after that. At six months post op I eat Everything! Breads, meats, vegies raw and cooked. No problems with anything. I eat small bits of everything.

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

I am bad about exercising regularly. I walk alot but thats about it.

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

Zinc, calcium citrate,b12, multivitamin, A, D, iron,C, E dry form,biotin, Citrucel and 3 stool softners is a must for me with out them I can't go to the bathroom! I also have 2 30gr protein shakes 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?

Constipation was the worst for me. I have never had that problem and the Dr was no help with a solution. It took a few months before I figured out what to take that will help me. It still remains a problem if I don't stick with the softners and Citrucel. I have had some hair loss as well. It is very upsetting for me but hopefully it won't last. I see a small improvement already.

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

The pain after surgery! It took 2 full weeks before I could sleep in my bed.

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

I am a member of several groups on line. They really help me and are important to me. I also have gone to a local support group with people just like myself. It is helpful to communicate with people who have gone through the same things you are going through now and they can give you pointers on how to handle things easily.

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

I call it my battle wounds. I have a small 1 inch scar from where they attempted a Lap. And then the scar from sternum to umbilicus where they had to open me up. It will fade in time. I don't relly think about it to much.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus and everytime I think "this is it, I'm done losing!" But then I increase the proteins and water and a few weeks later I drop a few pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I'm not sure if it is because I'm a much happier person now and therefor more out going or it is because people except me more. I suspect it is due to me being friendlier and want to talk to more people.