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

Two people in my office had it done four years ago. It wasn't until I developed high blood pressure and pre-diabetic numbers that I considered asking if I qualified.

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

Follow through on every request for every test that your WLS surgeon requires. I did everything that I was asked to do and followed all the rules and I was approved on my first request.

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

I never met the surgeon until 2 weeks before my surgery. Every appointment I had at his office, I saw a PA or a nurse practioner. I think you should meet the surgeon on your first visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My uncontrolled high blood pressure and I didn't want to develop diabetes or have a stroke or heart attack and I was on my way to that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did lots of research on the internet and found the best surgeon.

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 didn't have any fears from dying from the surgery. My only fear, which was justified, is the complications that I have from anesthesia and pain medications. I can't tolerate them and I have a very difficult time functioning when on them.

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

She told me I didn't need surgery, I should just have a breast reduction and I would be fine. She wished me well. I told her I expected to be out about 2 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 2 1/2 days. I was extremely sick and once my pain medication was changed to liquid, I bounced back. I brought my pillow, robe, and books. I was too sick to read or do anything. I did use my pillow to help me sit up.

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

Other than nausea, no complications. I am extremely tired and get exhausted doing the most simple tasks.

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 have some twinges of pain at one of my incision sites. I would exactly say pain, but I am very aware of the site. I have a lot of anxiety trying to get in the 64 grams of protein a day. I am only averaging 30-40. I can't stomach the protein shakes and I have moved onto tuna, but can get the protein in.

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

Everything I did these first two weeks made me very tired and had to rest after every activity, i.e., shower, blowing drying my hair, etc. I should have gone back to work 1/2 days instead of full days. I'm over extending myself. I had a bad reaction to the pain meds and anthesisia and it has taken a toll on my strength.

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

Less than an hour drive in traffic. Normally, about 20 minute drive.

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 cannot eat anything with milk. I cannot tolerate the protein shakes. I am trying Lactaid milk with the Carnation Instant Breakfast and that seems to be okay. I am still on pureed foods and haven't had any problems. If I eat too fast, I develop a pain below my breast bone. A sure signal to slow down.

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

It was almost nonexistent. I tried to do more everyday. I think I pushed myself too hard and paid for it in the end. I work a full-time, high-energy job and my first day at work, I went to bed at 7:30 that night. The second day I felt better. The third day I called off because I was just too tired to get dressed. I slept until 10 a.m. I'm a morning person. I'm trying to do more every day.

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

B12, multi-vitamin, Vitamin C, calcium with D. I don't take iron at the moment since my iron count was too high pre-op. We are waiting until my 1 month visit to test my blood before I start the iron.

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?

Nausea is the worst. In the hospital I was given compazine every 3 hours to combat it. It worked. At home, when I introduce a new food, I generally get nausea, but have learned to introduce only a couple of bites and then try it again and that seems to work. Eating very slowly is the key. I don't have any dumping, sleep disturbance, or hair loss. I am 2 weeks post-op.

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

The 7-month process to get approved. The wait is nerve racking.

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

I don't have a group. My husband and family have been my support group and they have been wonderful, especially my husband.

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

I have six tiny incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I gained a pound today and I'm only 2 weeks post-op.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No difference.