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

The first time I went to a seminar everyone was getting the bypass done. This was possibly 25 years ago. I have considered it on and off ever since, but it was so drastic and I would chastise myself for not losing on my own!

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

There was no insurance for the Vertical Sleeve, which I had done. HOWEVER, find a way!! Use the medical credit card, or whatever it takes!! Don't let lack of insurance stop you!

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

I went well prepared and knew what I wanted. Also, my brother in law is a Dr. and he told me the surgeon I had chosen was a good one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt like this was my last chance to be healthy and everything was just...right. Timing, money....it all worked well. Wish I had done it years before though!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of research online. I knew I didn't want the bypass...I knew to many people who had complications years and years after they had it done.

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?

None. I knew the vertical sleeve was a relatively simple surgery.....as much as any surgery can be. My hysterectomy was much harder then this...well, except for the fasting several weeks before. :-)

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 people don't get it. I am sure there were family members who didn't understand why we would spend this kind of money when if I just had a little will power and exercised it would work just as well. None of them are heavy more then, say, 20 pounds.

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

I was laid off work just before I had surgery...timing is everything! Ha!! So no one from there have seen me.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was glad I went. It was informative and comforting to see all the people there thinking about the same thing. Safety in numbers!

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

The hospital stay was....a blur. I know I walked the halls alot in the middle of the night...walking was important to do. I really didn't need anything but a bathrobe and I wore a pull over casual dress home. Easier to put on then sweatpants.

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

No...easy breezy recovery.

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

The worst was the 4 weeks post op when I could not, yet, eat food. Pretty tired of chicken broth and jello by then!You just muddle through and it pays off. Just expect it and know that everyone else has had the same thing.

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

I recovered very quickly though I tired easily. About 2 months post op I still looked pale and people asked if I was sick, so I started tanning. After about 3 tanning sessions people told me how healthy I looked! HA!

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

They were very close...only about 20 miles away.

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 have anything carbonated. It is surprising how many things are carbonated! I avoid bread and dairy, though I do drink a little milk to help swallow pills. In the beginning of eating I could barely eat 2 bites and was stuffed. I also burped alot at first! Even drinking liquids was small sips.... 8 months post op and I drink small amounts, but normally. Its still hard to get all my water allowances in, you fill up fast! I eat about anything I want....though I avoid dense meats, they are a little to hard on my stomach. No Prime Rib for me! Its Ok though. The weirdest, hardest thing is going out to dinner. Its a huge waste of money because I can hardly eat any of it! I try to find things I can just bag up and take home, but looking at a menu and choosing is hard because it is a waste. Still, dining out is SOCIAL, so go be social and get a salad!

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

I think the first 2 months were still recovery time. I tired easily. But by the 3rd month I was so much more energetic! I now go to gym 3 or 4 times a week and enjoy it! I NEVER thought I would! However, simply being able to move and move freely is such a joy!! I had no idea until I lost weight how.....stoved up I was! I feel like someone came with a dose of energizer bunny and WD 40 and gave me a huge boost!

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

Seriously, I don't take any. I had levels checked at 7 months and I only needed an A, B and B12 to bring levels up. I take those ocassionally.

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 had none of these

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

the fasting before hand (mine was during Christmas!) and the 4 weeks after while the stomach healed. But...I did it and if I can do it anyone can!!

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

I didn't join any group....I am so busy in my life that I just didn't feel like joining another group

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

I have 7 tiny little scars where they cut....I had never planned on wearing a bikini anyway! But if I do...I will make up some exotic story to explain it! Ha!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed quite a bit. However, since I exercise so much I know I am losing inches. I wish I had measured myself!! But I have dropped a dress size in the past month and have only lost about 7 pounds...so everything is changing still!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Men look and flirt. My husband, while never complaining before, is thrilled. My mother in law still tries to feed me huge amounts of food.