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

I heard about this surgery a decade ago and thought it was very risky. This past year, I have done more research and find that it is more common and the approach changed. I am now actively looking to have it performed on myself.

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

I would advise anyone interested in having bariatric surgery to contact their insurer and read the book provided by the insurer. Both are extremely helpful in determining if you are barking up the wrong tree or have clear sailing ahead.

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

Went to several clinics and met with three different surgeons. Did a lot of independent research so I had few questions for the surgeon that I chose. Still it is important to trust in the surgeons competency, so questions about success, leakage rates, etc are very important.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be a healthier person. I was having problems getting around and my knees were killing me. I couldn't see myself 20 years from now doing what I would need to do to sustain myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was never really an option. I always felt that my best chance of success was with the roux-en-y. I was correct. I have not regretted my decision at all.

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?

Look at them realistically. Being morbidly obese increases your chances of dying from any surgery. It is a very personal decision. I would tell someone to make the decision that they feel they can best live with.

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?

Initially my sisters were somewhat shocked and told me the stories about the WLS failures. However, they quickly got on board when they realized I was going ahead without their support and were there for me at the hospital and have been there for me since then.

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

I think I flipped by coworkers and supervisor out with my decision. I am aware that it is a somewhat taboo subject, but I think they are all pretty comfortable with it now. I was off work for four weeks. My only real disappointment is that no one sent me a card. It made me feel like an outcast. However, no one from my office ever sends out cards to anyone. I got over it.

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

Hated the hospital. The nursing staff did not seem adequately prepared for this type of surgery. I had a lot of difficulty with this. However, the surgeon was fabulous and my recovery went very well.

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

Nope. Nada. Nilch. I was, and am, very fortunate.

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

My greatest anxiety was waiting for the insurance approval. I was planning on a big fight. Then, one week prior to my date, I was approved. It all happened so fast, I didn't even have a chance to be nervous.

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

My first few weeks were rough. I went back to work after four weeks but would have appreciated four more weeks back at home. Lots of back pain, almost to the point of being unbearable.

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

I travelled to Chicago, which is about 1 1/2 hours from my house. Not bad going, but the return trip was hard. I had to cough and it was hard to hold on to my stomach and get that cough out.

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 have been able to eat almost anything since the second week. But I have found that I stay away from plain noodles, dense meats and fatty foods.

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

Pretty slow in the first few weeks with regard to activity. I had thought the recovery would be easier than it was. However, this has not slowed down my progress or spirits. Feel great.

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

A multivitamin, sublingual b12, gall bladder salts (for four months) and calcium.

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?

Very slight nausea and vomiting if I eat the wrong food or eat too fast. This has been little of a problem for me. I have some hair loss and I am just dealing with that.

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

The stay in the hospital was the worst part. In large part because I did not like the nursing care I received. Other than that the journey has been pretty smooth. I am very lucky. I have definitely seen others who have not had this much luck with the procedure.

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

No aftercare or support group yet. Not sure if I am going to participate in one or not. I have yet to decide this and am now 6 months out.

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

I had the procedure done lap. so I have six small scars. These are a purplish color but do not protrude or hurt or cause my any grief. They will fade in time, so I am not worried about long-term problems in that area.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had one plateau-3 weeks out which didn't last long. My weight loss has been consistent since two weeks out at 13.7 pounds each month. Initially I was behind the "weight loss planner" on this site. Now I am even. Maybe, I will even get ahead. Who knows.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people say I am nicer now. I don't think I am. I think people respond to me differently. Some have said that I am pretty. Some have just stared or flirted with me. I was never comfortable with that before and am no more comfortable with that now, but I will deal with it. It beats being insulted or ignored due to being obese.