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

I have several friends who had the surgery 8 years ago. At the time I thought it was the best thing in the world, but unfortunately I did not have insurance that would 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?

I found out that the new job I had actually had insurance that would pay for the procedure. I was ecstatic! There were things that needed to be done before being approved, but once those were complete I was approved within 24 hours of their receipt of all my information.

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

My first visit was actually at a symposium that he has every month that is required of his patients. I thought he was a very well spoken surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mind was made up before attending the symposium.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon told a story of a lapband patient he had to do emergency surgery on the night before. That sealed the deal for me to choose gastric bypass.

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 actually didn't have any fears. I had had my gallbladder out 8 months prior so I knew what a laproscopic surgery consisted of. I also knew my surgeons mortality rate and was very confident that I was in great hands. Always check your surgeons record.... that will tell you the whole story.

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 and friends were very supportive. I had numerous co-morbidities that just needed to be taken care of. I would not do anything differently now.

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

My supervisor was very supportive of my decision. I was only out of work 1 week.

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

It took forever to get out of the recovery room. My surgeon was concerned about a heart condition I was cleared of prior to surgery so I spent all day in recovery. I was in the hospital from Monday to Wednesday. Make sure that you bring your sanity!

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

I did not have any complications from the 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 anxious about my surgery. I wanted to get it done and over with so I could start my journey. I counted down the days until my surgery date, like it was Christmas!

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

It was extremely difficult to sleep in my bed. Laying flat was not very comfortable with the stitches and drain tube. I found comfort in sleeping in a recliner for the first 3 or 4 nights. Then when I could sleep in my bed I slept with a pillow tucked up under my stomach as I slept on my side (the side without the drain tube). I experienced a little pain, but not as much as I thought I would have. I had more pain from my gallbladder surgery.

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

I did not travel far at all. The hospital was local for me.

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 had to eat a pureed meal before I was allowed to leave the hospital. That did not consist of very much! I was sent home on pureed foods for 4 weeks. After that 4 weeks I was allowed to go to solid foods for 2 weeks. After those 2 weeks I progressed to being able to eat lunch meats, casseroles and more types of soups for 2 weeks. The next phase I was able to eat more meats, toast, fruits and vegtables for 2 more weeks. Then my diet was wide open to eat what I could tolerate. NO SUGAR! NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES! I have not been limited to any particular food. I have been very successful in that area.

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

I could tell that I was getting more energy. As the weight fell off my energy level rose.

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

I take a multi vitamin, 2 calcium, B-12, Biotin & Zinc for my hair, B-1 and 3 iron pills every 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 really haven't had any side effects. I have been sick a few times, but that was because I ate too fast or ate something that I didn't chew thoroughly.

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

There hasn't been any! My surgery has been a huge success and it was the best decision I've ever made.

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

There is a support group offered by my surgeons office. It's very important to have extra support. I also have many supporters here on Obesity Help.

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

I really can't tell I have any scares anymore. They have almost completely disappeared.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had several plateaus. I just worked through them and forged on. There will be times when you won't lose a pound in 2 or 3 weeks. It's normal. Just keep eating right and exercising and you will get over the hump.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes I sure do! It's amazing how different someone (a stranger) will treat you.