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

I saw it in the newspaper.

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 approval, however, due to the complications of this surgery, my insurance company no longer covers weight loss surgery.

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

My first surgery resulted in a 7 day stay. I had residents caring for me that were not fully educated in weight loss surgery. The most important thing to bring is a person who will support you and hold you when you feel your worst. My second stay was only two days. Both of my surgeries were open.

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

I ended up in the hospital on a feeding tube. I did not deal well at all and have many regrets over doing it.

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 nervous, but believed I was doing the right thing based on the limited information I had.

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

I was miserable. I could keep nothing down. I hated that I could not eat. It was like someone took my best friend away from me and didn't tell me what I was supposed to do to replace that emptiness.

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

The first surgery was local. The second surgery was about 40 minutes travel.

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 was unable to eat anything as my stomach did not empty properly. That has been corrected. I do not do well at all with meat unless it is very finely ground. Unable to eat pasta or rice.

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

My activity level was ZERO. I was in a lot of pain and was nauseaus all of the time.

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

I am on a multi-vitamin, folic acid, and mucho calcium since I am now suffering from osteoporosis. I also have severe hypoglycemia now and have to keep glucose tablets and paste close by at all times. I have to carefully watch my protein and carbs.

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?

All of the above. I dealt with these problems for close to a year.

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

All of it.

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

I meet with a group of wonderful post-op friends who help me stay sane. They are my heart and soul.

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

Horrible long scar down the center of my abdomen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have been on plateau for past six months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Abolutely treat me differently. People talk to me now who would not give me the time of day before. However, I don't have the time to be bothered with narrow minded people.