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

I heard about it several years ago, but I never really paid attention to it. When Carnie Wilson had her surgery it became a lot more public. I really started to research it when my oldest sister discussed wanting to have it. Her insurance turned her down so I started looking into how I could help her get the surgery approved. I then started to realize that I needed this surgery myself. I never realized just how unhealthy my weight actually was until I visited this site. I also didn't think there was anything I could do about it. Of course, now that has all changed and I am ready to fight to change my life.

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

My insurance approval went pretty smoothly. My advice is to give them everything you can think of first so you don't have to wait when they ask for more information.

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

We met in a group setting first. She went over all aspects of the surgery. The good, the bad and the ugly. She made sure we all understood what we were getting into. Then we each met one on one and discussed if this surgery would be a good choice for us. Ask as many questions as you can during this time. It is a good idea to write down all of your questions ahead of time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was what I needed to do to improve my life. My health was going downhill fast. I didn't want to die at an early age. I knew I had a chance to change my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only does one type of procedure.

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 was a little nervous about all of the complications that could occur. I was also a little afraid that I could die. I knew this was the right choice for me, but it is still scary having a major surgery. You just have to realize that whatever happens, happens for a reason. I decided that there was no use worrying because I couldn't change the outcome. I had to trust my surgeon and know everything would be okay.

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?

Most of my family and friends were very supportive. Of course, they were nervous for me. Some of my friends didn't want me to do it. They thought I should try a few more diets before doing something so drastic. They have all been very supportive since my surgery. I think it helps that everything has went so smoothly for me and I have been very successful.

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

My supervisor and manager were both very supportive. They knew it was what I needed to do. I spoke with them one and one and told them what I was going to be doing and why. I was very honest and they were great. I was out of work for 4 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was as pleasant as a hospital stay could be. I had never been admitted to a hospital before so I was a little nervous. The nurses were all great. I was very impressed with the treatment by my doctor too. I had a private room that was relatively quiet.

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

The only complication I have had since surgery was that I got dehydrated at 3 weeks post op. I visited with my doctor and she sent me to the hospital to get fluids put in me. I haven't had any problems since. I haven't even gotten sick yet. I have been very happy with how my body has adjusted after surgery.

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 excited after I got my date. It was hard to wait until the date though. I am not the most patient person in the world so it seemed like it took forever for the date to come. I read the message boards and question and answer section of this site to help me educate myself while waiting for surgery.

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

I was very emotional for the first few weeks after surgery. I missed food. I didn't want to eat the food that I was allowed to eat. I almost felt depressed when it was time to eat. The main thing I noticed is that my emotions were all over the place and I didn't know how to control them all of the time.

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

I traveled about 30 minutes for my surgery. I work about 10 minutes from my hospital so it is very convenient for my appointments and support group meetings.

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 able to eat string cheese, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, sf jello, sf pudding, cocoa wheats, soup, applesauce and soft cooked eggs for the first 6 weeks. After 6 weeks I was able to eat chicken, tuna, fish, ham, turkey, crakers, refried beans, green beans, peas, carrots, cucumbers, peaches, bananas, strawberries and pineapple. After three months I could eat rice, pasta, salad and most fruits and vegetables. I am not allowed to eat bread or meat until one year post op.

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

I have walked about 2 to 3 miles a day since I left the hospital. I was very good about this while the weather was still nice, but I have slacked off a little lately. I try to walk inside at work during lunch and on my treadmill at home. I also go to an exercise class at St. Vincent's once a week. I am planning on joining a gym in the next couple of weeks.

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

I take two chewable complete multi-vitamins daily. I take two Viactiv calcium chews daily. I take a sublingual B-12 at least twice a week. I eat half a protein bar daily.

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 didn't really have any side effects from surgery. I didn't even need pain meds while in the hospital. I had heartburn right after surgery from the gas they fill you up with. I had to take Pepcid AC chewables daily for about a month after surgery to help with my heartburn. I haven't vomitted or dumped yet. I also haven't notice any hair loss yet.

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

Waiting for insurance approval and then waiting for my date to arrive. The actual surgery itself wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be.

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

St. Vincent's Carmel offers a support group that meets several times a month. I try to visit at least once or twice a month. I find this group very helpful and informative. I have learned a lot of things in this group that I haven't heard anywhere else.

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

I had my surgery done lap so I have 5 little scars. They are smaller than I expected. They are fading pretty quickly. I am pretty sure they will be practically invisible after next year.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I dont' know if I have actually had a real plateau yet. I have had a few weeks where I didn't lose any weight and it really upset me. I quit weighing myself weekly because of it. I have since started weighing myself weekly again. I know there will be times when the scale doesn't move. I just have to accept it and move on. If it stays the same for too long, I will need to look at my water, protein and activity and adjust it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do to a certain degree. My weight loss isn't that dramatic yet so I think it will change more in the future.