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

I had been hearing about bariatric surgery for years, but I didn't think I was fat enough. And I never dreamed that insurance would someday pay for it.

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

When I first learned that my insurance would pay, I studied everything I could. I wanted to get it through the process without being denied. I talked to people who had the surgery and got their advice. Then I dumped my primary care physician and found a doctor that I knew was supportive of gastric by-pass. That is the most important thing... get a doctor who is behind you 100%!!

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

I was very educated about the whole process when I first met with my surgeon. I didn't really have that many questions. Mostly, I wanted to feel his aura (I know that sounds stupid). This man was going to work a miracle in my life, I wanted to know I could trust him. It might be helpful to write down some questions before the meeting, and take notes during the meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was a fat hog and knew there was only one way out. When I found out that my insurance would pay, I was running for the finish line!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the most permanent proceedure. And I didn't want a fixture in my body that had to be maintained, that's why I decided against the Lap-Band.

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 more afraid of dying from a stroke before my surgery than I was of dying from the surgery it's self. I knew my quality of life sucked. I was willing to take the chances with surgery.

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 family was very supportive of my decision. They knew how excited I was to get it done. However, some of my friends were not so supportive. Some were even downright nasty about it. I have made many many new friends since my surgery so the good far out weighs the bad.

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

I was out of work for about a month. My boss and my direct supervisor were very supportive. They stopped by my house and brought me little presents.

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 three days. Morphine is not my friend. Once I figured that out and dumped the morphine drip I started feeling alot better.

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

I did have complications. I developed an upper G.I. bleed and had to go back for a blood transfusion two weeks after my surgery. But they gave me 5 units of blood, some nexium and a vitamin K shot and I was good to go!

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 impatient!!

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

Don't get all freaked out if you are not losing weight as fast as your peers. Take it easy, drink as much water as you can hold and go for short walks.

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

90 miles.

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.

Sugar bad. Even today I still don't tolerate sugar very well. Protein drinks will forever be my best friend. Soups and whole wheat crackers are the food of the gods.

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

My activity level just keeps going up and up and up. Even just a few weeks after my surgery my co-workers would comment on my energy. I would just laugh and offer them some vitamins. I can now take several flights of stairs at the hospital where I work and not even break a sweat. No way could I have done that before my surgery... NO WAY!!

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

BB Vitamins. Citrated Calcium. Extra Zinc. B-complex. Vitamin C&E combo. Flax seed oil. Biotin. Extra Iron, Co Q-10

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?

Dumping.... YES. (sugar bad) Hairloss, but it's starting to grow back.

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

The first few days after my surgery were yucky, but nothing too horrible. The upper G.I. bleed scared me a little, but that was easily fixed. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

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

I belong to a local support group and it's great. I have made a lot of new friends and get some much needed encouragement to stay on the the fitness track.

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

My surgery was laproscopic. I have six five little hole that can barely be seen. My drain hole scar is a little bigger but it's not too bad. I'm very pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plateau experiences but that has not freaked me out. I expected them. They always pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh heck yes!!! Especially women. Women are much more respectful of a thin woman. It's like owning the Holy Grail and everybody wants to drink from it. A fountain of youth.