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

I had seen some things on TV, but never thought it was for me. Someone my husband worked with had the surgery, and was very happy with it. That's when I started to research the procedure.

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

No problem at all. I called HealthAmerica first to find out their requirments. Then, I made sure I had fulfilled everything before I saw my surgeon. I was approved within hours of the documentation being faxed by my surgeions office. My advise would be to contact your insurance company first, then get "all your ducks in a row".

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

I took a list of questions with me, so I would not forget what I wanted to ask. Dr. Collella answered all of them patiently. As a result, I got a lot out of this first meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was not one thing. I had no other health problems, but I knew what I was headed for if I stayed heavy. I think the fact that I am nearing 40 had a lot to do with my decision.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By researching. Gastric Bypass seemed like the safest procedure with the best chance of working 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 did worry about these things. But I knew I had a good surgeon. Dr. Colella take lots of precautions, and has done many of these surgeries. I would tell others that they have to weigh pros and cons. This is not for everyone. They need to find the best surgeon they can. A lot of doctors do this surgery, and not all of them have the same level of experience. Finding a good surgeon who knows how to prevent and/or deal with complications is the best way to alleviate fears.

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 whole family was very supportive. My husband, mom & dad & siblings knew how I have struggled with my weight. I was very lucky, no one was negative about my decision. Althought my mom checks on my every day to see if I am eating!

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

I only told my employer I was having abdominal surgery. No one at work seems to realize what the surgery was. I was only out of work for two weeks, but I have a desk job that isn't too strenuous. If my work were more physical, I think I would have needed a month.

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

I was a Allegheny General for three days. I thought the hospital was fine, and the nurses attentive. The only thing, it took a long time for escorts to take me back to may room after tests. Also, you share a room, and my roommate (not a WLS patient) was very ill. Nurses and doctors were in and out all night, so it was hard to sleep.

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

I was very fortunate. None at all.

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

The first three weeks, I was very tired. After that period, I started to feel like my old self. I did miss being able to eat like a "regular" person, but this has passed quickly. I didn't really have any anxiety at all, as my surgeyr went smoothly.

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

If the surgery is done lap, the pain lasts for about 2 weeks, but each day it decreases. I didn't really need my pain meds except at night. My doctor had me on clear liquids for 3 weeks, and after two weeks, I was climbing the walls. Once I started on soft foods, however, I was fine.

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

Ten minutes from my house. No problems with aftercare.

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.

For three weeks, I could have only clear, no-calorie liquids, except for two cups of skim milk each day. I had have at least 64 ounces of liquid. Then, after my first post-op visit, I was moved to soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft veggies, eggs). I was told that if I could tolerate these for a few days, to move onto other foods, like baked or broiled fish, turkey or chicken, and then to slowly add other foods as tolerated. I have been able to tolerate most foods well, with the excepetion of eggs. Also, I have pretty much eliminated bread, rice and pasta from my diet as they just don't feel good in my pouch. Obviously, high fat or sugar foods are out of the question.

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

I didn't exercise, thought I was pretty busy with my house, kids & job. Once I got the ok from my doctor, I started waking for 40 minutes a day.

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

Two flintstone chewables, a b-12 tablet, calcium supplements, and a protein bar/drink each day.

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?

I had some nausea early on (sort of like morning sickness), but it passed. A few times, I have eaten to fast, and have had to vomit. Other than that, no problems so far.

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

The anxiety right before surgery (I was a little weepy on the way to the hospital) and the pain right after.

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

I am on an online support group. This is very helpful.

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

Six small holes. Pretty much what I expected. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.