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

After my sister-in-law had surgery I started following here recovery process and doing my own research. I thought she was crazy at 1st to do something so risky. Like me she had young children and I was thinking what if she dies. Who will raise the kids.

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

My advice is to trust the people in your surgeons office that do this for a living. My doc's people gave me what I needed as far as forms to give my PCM. Then they gave me a list of exactly what they needed from me. Once they got what they needed they were on it. it took less than a week to get me approved.

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

I was nervous. I wanted this so bad at this point I was afraid of being rejected. My surgeon put me at ease and we had a wonderful conversation about my health (or lack of health). My advice is to do your research about all of the procedures so you and your doctor and have an honest 2-way discussion about which would be better for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed this for me and for my kids. I woke up and admitted I didn't have to BE this person anymore. I had to be couragous.I was tired of being a spectator in my own life. I was watching things happen...I wanted to make things happen...I wanted to partisipate in my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lap-band was ruled out by my insurance. I took what they would pay for.

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 scared to death I would do more harm then good. But I prayed and prayed about it. A peace came over me and I new this was the thing for ME to do. I advice is pray about it. Talke to people who love you about it. Weigh YOUR pros and cons. Make a list of life goals...can you do then at your current weight? How bad do you want to do them? This is a decision only YOU can make for YOU.

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 very upset about it. My mom was great. I realized that this was not their decision to make and chose to share with only my supporters. it was hard to tell who that would be at first but it worked out. Post-op I'm 9moths out and just now telling people what I did (when they comment on my weight loss)

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

I had surgery 2 weeks before I started a new job. I didn't tell my employer till i was working about 2 weeks. I told her after she request I lift something very heavy( a no-no). I had no choice but to tell her at that point. I would have probably waited a little longer otherwise. But thankfully she was very supportive.

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 for 2 days. Day one a don't remember much of. I know I walked a few hours after surgery and I had a morphine pump. The rest was just a dream. Day 2 was me walking every chance I got. I didn't feel like I had surgery. I was wating for someone to tell me I'd been punked. My nurses were wonderful. I brought my body pillow from home but I didn't really need it.

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

I was blessed...no complications what so-ever.

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 started a new job in a new state 2 weeks post-op. I still didn't "feel" like I'd had surgery. I followed my doc instructions to the letter and that is my advice to anyone.

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

I seem to come out of my depression immediatly. I've never wanted to move so much in my life. Walk-walk-walk...sip, sip, sip.

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

1 hour away, but I moved 5 hrs away. I've had to reshedule a few appts. but I am still following my docs aftercare program.

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

I was tired at first or would tire easily, but once I started taking the vitamins I felt much better. After surgery in general I had more energy but I think it was mostly in my head that "I've done this now...make it work"

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

B-12, B-1, Flinstones ( or spongebob or spiderman) Complete chewables. Calcium, protein shakes.

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?

No side affects not even dumping ( I had to test this out, but I don't eat sweets anymore).

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

Waiting for insuramnce approval/ surgery date.

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

I moved away form my support group so I generally conect with people on the internet.ObesityHelp.com members have been the most help.

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

I have six punture wounds that get smaller every month. I am proud and I hop I can always see them They remind me of what I've been thru.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

9 months no weight loss in 3 weeks I am exercising more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get hit on a lot by people who didn't even "see" me before I lost the weight. I've know THEM for years. I look at them like you've got to be kidding me. Am I not invisable to you now? I know YOUR name I've known it for 5 years. I was at your wedding. I know your wife. YOU CAN SEE ME NOW?! I've learned a lot about others and prejudices.