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

I read about it years ago and said that it was too drastic for me. I figured I could get my weight under control by myself. (I don't know why, I never had before!)

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

I had no problem getting the insurance to pay for my surgery.

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

My first visit was scary. I wanted to have this surgery done but was really scared to have it. Every time you talk to someone they tell you something negative about it. My doctor was very supportive and thourough with his explanations. He also gave out a book about the procedure. I asked a lot of questions and he offered a lot of answers!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When all my medical problems (diabetes, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, fatty liver, hypothyroidism,etc.) starting getting worse I decided it was time to do something more than Weight Watchers!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the gastric bypass because the surgeon said it would give the best results in the long run. (And I definitely wanted great results)

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 so scared about having complications and even dying. My mother had had abdominal surgery in January due to complications from ovarian cancer and she passed away two days later. She was cut just like I was and got a blood clot (or so they think) and I was scared it would happen to me. Plus I thought about all the negative things I'd heard about this surgery but I tried to stay positive (and it worked)!!! I'm still here!

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 husband was 200% behind me and the most supportive person there could be! He took off the week after and I didn't have to lift a finger! That was nice! Most of my family was supportive. My friends were more negative. Of course they're all obese too and I think there was jealousy there too! They've all seen how great I've done and they still try to get me to say something negative about having this procedure. I don't have anything bad to say (yet)!

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

I wasn't working when I had the surgery. I quit a month before because I didn't want to have to answer to anyone while recooping! I have gone back to work and did so in 3 weeks.

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 4 days. The first day I was wondering what the heck I'd done to myself. I wasn't hurting until I'd try to get out of bed. The incision was what held me back! I made myself get up though and am glad I did. That's what helped most of all - getting up and moving around. It helped with the gas that bottled up in me. The most important thing I had at the hospital was a little pillow to put on my tummy when I was moving around. That and some chap stick. My mouth was awful dry!

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

None

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Once I knew what my date was I decided to have all the "last suppers" I could! I was a nervous wreck trying to decide if I'd made the right decision. I knew this was going to change my life drastically and I just kept thinking about how great I'd look and feel afterwards! Those positive thoughts are really handy!

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

Once your soreness leaves you're on the road to recovery! It was hard to keep from lifting things because I felt so good (only sore) and I had to keep reminding myself that I'd just had major surgery! I was glad to have a hubby that could take off the first week because I really didn't feel like doing much then.

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

My hospital was only 5 minutes from my 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.

I'm only 5 weeks post-op and really haven't started eating much yet.

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

I started walking as soon as I could even if it was only for 5 minutes. Now I'm walking 15-30 minutes twice a day and feel really great doing it.

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

I'm on a prescription vitamin (foltrin), drink designer protein shakes 2-3 times a day and take biotin (heard it's good for hair), take a one-a-day vitamin.

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?

haven't had any side effects yet!

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

Soreness from scar.

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

My doctor doesn't offer any support groups/programs. I've used obesityhelp.com 2 or 3 times a day for my support. I also met a lady in the doctor's office and we've started calling each other with updates or news, etc.

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

My scar is 7" long and kind of keloiding. I've been putting Vitamin E on it and just bought Mederma to use. You get it at the pharmacy but it's behind the counter and you have to ask for it. Suppose to be good, I'll find out. I am disappointed in the size of my scar but at 47 years of age I'm not planning to wear a bikini when I get smaller!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first 3 weeks I lost over 35 pounds. Then these last 2 weeks it's been very little (5 pounds). That's discouraging but when I think about all I've lost up to this point I shouldn't be sad. 40 pounds in 5 weeks is pretty good!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They all say I look happier but they're not treating me different.