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

I knew someone who had it about 5 yrs ago. She had many health issues and I didn't. I have been very healthy (besides my weight) so I felt I wouldn't qualify. Recently I had heard of people doing it so I started to investigate and found out you didn't need co-morbidities to qualify. I researched for about a year before I made the decision to have the surgery. I had to make sure it was right for me and I would be ready for the life changes necessary to be successful.

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

My experience was quick and painless. I was approved in less than 24hrs from the time Blue Shield received my paperwork. My advice is stay on top of things.

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

My first visit with Dr. Coates was brief. I had done so much research, attended support group meetings and talked to so many people I didn't have to many questions. My suggestions would be to write all you questions down on paper so you don't forget the important things you really want to know. Be educated, your knowledge will impress upon your surgeon how serious you are.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery once I read the profiles on this website. Interacting with pre-ops and post-ops gave me the confidence that I too could do this! I attended support group meetings and did a lot of reading. I am so thankful for OBESITYHELP.COM!!

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

My hospital stay was a very good experience. I was there 3 days. I think the most important thing I brought was my own underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. I would recommend bringing a book or something to entertain you because I did get bored out of my mind and there's not much on TV these days! You can only walk the halls so much!

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

The only complication I had was the second day I had a high fever for a couple of hours. My surgeon put me on Cipro and took a chest x-ray but my fever disappeared as quickly as it came on.

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 never felt anxiety, only excitement and lack of patience! I thought the day would never come but then boom it was here! Just take that time to really look into yourself and find your strength to take on the challenges of your new life.

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

My first week home I was tired and bored. I tried to exercise but didn't have a whole lot of energy. I felt good, no pain, just tired. The second week home I felt much better, I was just stuck at home and didn't like that much. I went to work the third week out of boredom and lack of money. My employer offers no sick time and I didn't want to use up all my vacation. I felt fine going back to work.

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

I traveled an hour for my Dr and hospital. I feel it had no affects on my aftercare, I just had to drive alot the first month for follow-up appts at the Dr and the bariatric education class.

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 5 weeks out and have been able to tolerate eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, gerber baby food chicken/turkey sticks, string cheese, gouda cheese, shredded mexican cheese, chicken, hot sauce, spices, turkey, ground turkey, hot turkey sausage, mahi-mahi, salmon, rotisserie chicken is my favorite, ham, dab of garlic mashed potatoes, dab of sweet potatoes (at christmas), salsa and green sauce, popsicles, fudgesicles, jello, broth, crystal lite, decaf coffee, cream, propel, diet snapple teas. The only things I had a problem with were shrimp one time (texture didn't agree) and a microwaved egg, I think the same thing. I still have no appetite and so I have to force myself to eat my protein 3 times a day. I eat about 2oz of protein at each meal and no snacking.

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

I attend 3 support group meetings (a total of 4 actual meetings a month). I think they are very, very important in long term success. I get something different out of each meeting. It's a great place to get ideas, to build confidence and just to know that you aren't the only one going through something. It has been very beneficial to me through the whole process.

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

I have 6 tiny incisions that are healing nicely. One is almost gone!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus, one for about a week. I wasn't eating the required protein amounts at that time and that's when I was told to force myself to eat the protein 3 times a day. Since I have been doing that the weight loss has become more constant. I am a slow loser but as long as it's coming off I am very happy!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No I haven't noticed being treated differently. I have always been very outgoing and never treated unfairly due to my weight. I have been lucky.