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

I learned of WLS probably when I was a teenager, but it was only for people that had lots of money. I have heard progressively more and heard of lots of casualties because of it. Initially, I wouldn't have considered it because I figured it was better to be fat than dead.

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

I have had no problems with getting approval. Sparrow Weight Management has handled everything for me. They are the ones making me jump through the hoops. Well, I guess initially I had problems because I wasn't "obese enough" to qualify. In the long-run, however, I am grateful that I've gone through all of this so that I know I am dedicated to this surgery and getting healthier.

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

I went to his office and watched a video for 30 minutes on all of the different types of bari surgeries. He then came in with a nurse and looked at my stomach and then asked the type of surgery I was interested in. He said that he thought I'd be a good candidate for the GB and that he'd like me to have a few more tests and then he'd approve me. I really didn't have any questions for him because I've learned so much through Sparrow Weight Management already.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After I gained the weight back after being on the liquid diet for 6 weeks and then started to gain additional weight. When the body aches returned in full force and I was back to not being able to move of function. That's when I figured that enough was enough and I was not going to be able to lose and keep this weight off without drastic measures.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I initially wanted to get the Lap-Band. I didn't even consider the GB. The staff at SWM convinced me that if I was going to go this far,that I might as well have the "gold plan" and get the most bang for my buck. They thought with my personality type that the GB was the best route for me. My surgeon also agreed with this. The more I heard about the LB, the more I was convinced that this wasn't the right option for me.

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 still have fears that I may die from this surgery or complications. I think they are reasonable fears and realistic ones. I know that there are always risks with any type of surgery, but I know that I am in good health and that I have chosen a surgeon that has an excellent reputation and a 0% fatality rate. I don't think it'll do me any good to worry about it. I'm at the point that if it happens, it happens, but I will take every precaution to make sure that it doesn't.

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'd have to say that the majority of the people that I've talked with about this have tried to talk me out of it in one way or another. I have very supportive friends and family. They want what's best for me and they want me to be happy and healthy. I think most of them would prefer that I not do this, but know that I've made up my mind and are now behind me in what appears to be 100%. I've had some people try to sabbotage my efforts. I was warned about this, BTW. Be prepared for jealousy. I don't believe they even realize that they are doing it. Be careful and lean on the ones that are there for you with no hidden agenda!

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

I've had no problems with my employers or supervisors. I've got personal time and am planning on doing this over the Christmas holiday, so will miss very little time. I haven't had the surgery yet, so can't tell you how long I'll be out. My doctor tells me that it'll only be for 2 weeks.

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

I stayed at the hospital for 2 nights. I had surgery on the morning of 12/23/09 and left the hospital on 12/25/09 in the late afternoon. I brought a lot of stuff to the hospital, but never really used any of it. They provide you with everything you need. You may want to bring your toiletries with you. No need for a robe because you have an iv. Maybe bring slippers, but they give you those socks with grippies on them. I slept most of the time (when not being poked at by the nurses). When I wasn't sleeping, I had family there visiting. I didn't have time to read or do puzzles or anything else.

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

I had no 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 was very excited to finally get my surgery date. I did get very anxious the closer I got to the date. I know that I was difficult to cope with. I had second thoughts, I got anxious, I worried that things wouldn't go well. It was very life consuming. I had a hard time thinking of anything else. It helped me a great deal to come to OH and read the posts that others had written that were in my same situation, and just after. Fear of the unknown is so huge! When it's all over, you wonder what all the fuss was about!

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

I was very sore and was disappointed that I wasn't getting up and going as much as others I'd read about. Some said they came home from the hospital with nothing more than slight discomfort. I felt more than that. I felt like I'd been beaten up and I just didn't feel quite right. Although I believe that part of that had to do with the fact that mr Dr. had taken me off of my hormones and my anxiety meds. My advice to others is to not worry about how others have done. We all heal at our own pace. Do what your body allows and remember that you just had major surgery!

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

My hospital is only 30 minutes from where I live and about 2 miles from where I work. My aftercare is at the wl clinic that is about 15 minutes from where I work. The distance I am going is very minimal and is very much worth every mile!

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.

Initially, my dr required a clear liquid diet at the hospital and full liquids when you get home. I had a horrible time getting the shakes down. I have now found a brand that I can tolerate. I don't suggest tasting very many prior to surgery because your tastes change daily (or so it seems). I found that the Kroger Carbmaster yogurt settled very easily for me, even though I don't like yogurt. I also liked SF popsicles and jello. Not much else went over very well at first. I am now on soft foods and find that I want the protein shakes more than anything else. More solid food gives me, what I call "the scrapies" when I eat them. I can feel them going down and then sitting. I find it to be rather uncomfortable! This is happening even though I feel like I'm chewing well enough. My Nut tells me this will go away with time. My tastes are changing on a weekly basis and things I didn't like before, are now sounding better. I have no cravings for sweets.

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

I am still not very active. I get tired very easily. I am not quite 1 month post-op. I need to start bumping up my activity level.

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

I take Optisource vitamins. You take 4 of them a day and don't have to take all the other things that are recommended. I've never been very good at remembering to take vitamins, so taking 4+ different kinds multiple times a day isn't a wise choice for me. This is. They are about $30 per month, but well worth it I think.

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?

At this point, I've only had some nausea. I have not vomited or had any dumping. I am being pretty good about following the orders of my nut though. I have been told by many post-op people that the best thing to do is follow the diet plan and you won't have any problems.

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

The waiting! It's very difficult to sit and wait and jump through the many, many hoops! It feels like it takes an eternity to pass all of the qualifications and then, when you finally have your surgery date, then the REAL waiting begins! Doesn't matter if it's a week or 6 months...it feels like an eternity!

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

My whole wls program has been with Sparrow Weight Management. This is INCREDIBLY helpful and important. I have heard so many people who didn't have the support of their dr or the staff. I would NEVER just go to a doctor that wasn't connected to a clinic. I attend monthly support meetings that my clinic offers. I also have a few friends that have had this surgery that I compare notes with.

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

I have 5 very small red scars. It's exactly what I expected. I suspect that eventually they won't be so red. It's amazing what can be accomplished with such small openings! After 6 months, my scars have shrunk and are not as red.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau just about every month. Now that I'm 6 months out, I will lose 5 lbs or so and then just kind of stick at that weight for a while. I keep reminding myself that I am 97 lbs lighter in just 6 short months. It feels like a long time, but really is not.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, I'm only 3 wks post-op Now that I am 6 months out and 97 lbs lighter, I do have people treat me different. I have started to notice people looking at me (guys). Also, I have people tell me how good I look all the time. It's all in good ways. No negative attention any more. I do have people watching what I eat and they ask if I can have that, etc. That gets a little old, but I know they're just curious.