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

I knew a woman at my job who had WLS in 2004. She lost 140 pounds within a year. I also knew of someone who had died from complications, so that kind of kept me from researching about it for my weight problem.

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

I followed the instructions of the surgeon, got my evaluations done, and relied on his office staff to take care of the insurance aspect of the procedure.

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

I first went to a seminar my surgeon held. He talked about the RNY and lap band procedures and people asked questions. I learned a lot at that seminar. He had his staff there to make appointments for consultations and I decided right there that I was going to do this for myself.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just ready to lose the weight. After reading about and seeing people have success with the surgery, I decided that it was my turn to be a loser.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After talking to the surgeon, he recommended the RNY. I felt that he very competent at determining which was best for me based on my history.

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 really did not have much fear going into surgery. I felt I was in really good hands with the surgeon I had chosen. After talking to several people who had they surgery by the same surgeon, I felt totally confident with this surgeon.

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 wasn't sure how everyone was going to take my news. I only told my husband after I had my consultation with the surgeon. I had my speech prepared about how it was my body and my decision, etc., but he truly surprised me and said he was totally happy for me and would support me in any way I needed.

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

I was totally honest with everyone in the office. I started telling people about my decision to have WLS during the time I was undergoing all my evaluations. I saved lots of vacation time to use for the evaluations, so the time I took off was my own to use as I needed. I was only out of work for one week. I did have trouble making it through the day in the very beginning though. My supervisor was very understanding and let me go home early when I felt I needed to.

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 overnight. My surgery was at 7:30 a.m. and I was released at 2:30 p.m. the next day. I had very little pain from the surgery, however, the anesthesia made me terrible naseous for 24 hours. The most important things to bring are personal toiletries. I used a hopsital gown the entire time and I went home in the clothes I wore to the hospital. I would recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes. I also was not able to wear my bra for a week after the surgery due to the location of the punctures.

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

So far, 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 elated. For the first time in my life, my future looked bright. I couldn't wait to get going with the surgery so I could beging losing. I also kept busy preparing for after surgery - at work and at home.

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

I personally had an amazingly easy time of it. I was totally shocked at how good I felt after surgery. I had no pain, just some tenderness and soreness - like muscle soreness - for a few days after surgery. I did not even fill the prescription for pain medication. I was driving by the third day I was home from the hospital.

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

The hospital is only a 30-minute drive from my home.

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.

At 8 weeks post-op now, I am still eating mostly mushy foods. I have difficulty with meats, so I stick to yogurt, cereal, soups, refried beans, etc. I am unable to eat eggs in any way, shape, or form.

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

I think I was pretty active, going back to work after one week, hosting a big graduation party for my son after three weeks, and pretty much getting back to my normal activities almost right away.

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

I chew a multi-vitaman every morning. I take B-12 twice a week. I take calcium citrate twice a 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 still vomit a few times a week. I never know when something will bother me. I try to avoid the foods that have made me vomit so far. No hair loss yet. I'm sleeping better than before surgery.

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

I think the worst part about the surgery was my reaction to the anesthesia for the first 24 hours.

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

I attend a support group meeting once a month at the surgeon's office. I enjoy this meeting very much. It is very helpful to talk to people at varying stages of their journey.

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

I have three one-inch incisions and two small punctures. I was expecting something like this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far, no plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are curious about what I am eating. I get lots of compliments all the time. People are really starting to notice my weight loss.