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

DH saw an advertisement on TV. We went to a seminar and thus the journey began.

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

I am one of the lucky ones. BCBS/Keystone and had absolutely no issues getting approved within 2 weeks of my surgeon's office submitting.

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

I was more nerveous to have the psych evaluation. Being SMO I knew I was mostly likely a canidate for WLS. How to get the most out of your first meeting? Read, research the different surgeries and write down all your questions. Don't be afraid to ask any question. The more you ask the better informed of your health you become.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew at 50 years of age I had to do something. The scale just kept climbing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By reading OH faithfully and researching every type of WLS posted.

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?

Fear is a natural part of the process. I think I worry more about complications post-op then I did about dying. The morning of my surgery I actually thought about leaving the prep room while the nurses were out. Imagine their faces when they realized they lost a patient? LOL. Needless to say, my better judgement kicked in and I realized that I obviously was not going to lose the weight on my own and needed the surgery to help me.

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 choose not to talke about my decision to have WLS. Only DH and BF know.

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

Boss' sister had same surgery and amazingly, with the same surgeon, so she understood completely and wished me the best. I was out 6 weeks.

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

I stayed at Abington Hospital in PA. It was great. The staff was nice, caring and willing to help you with anything. I was in for 3 days and other than slippers and a bathrobe, the only thing I can think of is to bring a lip balm like chapstick and your own pillow.

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

no complications so far. fingers crossed.

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 fantastic. I was to excited I knew I would be running into the OR on the day of my surgery.

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

My first few days where rough. It is amazing how everything changes. Not hungry, can only take mini sips of fluids, and you feel like a truck hit you, twice! I was also amazing out quickly your body starts to heal. I really could feel a big difference in the third day to the seventh day out. Then the first week to the 3rd week. This is where you find out if you are lactose intolrant, how your tastes change, etc.

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

Fortunately, the hospital is only 20 minutes from our house.

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.

first week out tried adding dairy to my diet. big mistake. I lived on the toilet and the bloating was unreal. Took 3 months for my body to accept dairy again. I still can not use anything sugar free. The "itols" make me so nauseous and cause me to have the "foamies"

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

I walked everyday twice a day. Slow at first then increased to 15 minutes each walk.

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

I am on baratic advantage's iron, calicum chewables and high multi -vits with ADEK.

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 only if i eat Sugar Free items. So, for now, I stay away from them.

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

The worse part.......waiting for the day of surgery.

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

I read the DS posts on OH everyday. Great advise. I also attend a WL support group meeting monthly at Abington Hospital.

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

I had my DS done lap. I have 7 very small scars about 1" each. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateaus. Being 3 months post-op, I gained 1 lb last week. Strange part is, the new slacks I bought feel loose. Go figure.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people comment on my new hair style which is funny cuz I don't have a new hair style. I have just lost a lot of weight in my face, neck, shoulders.