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

My friend had asked me to be her second set of ears when she decided to have surgery 4 years earlier. So I wne to an informational session with her.

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

It was relatively smooth, I was concerned because I had only been a part of that medical plan for 10 months when we started the process, but the guidelines were clear, and I met them.

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

Dr Barba is a warm and approachable surgeon. I went into my first appointment undecided on which procedure was best for me. He took time walk me through the pros and cons and in the end we decided on bypass.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was an instant trust with the surgeon and his staff. I knew I needed a fresh start for my relationship with food and I knew that this was a great option for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After consulting with Dr Barba.

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 have very little apprehension about surgery in general. Hospitals have been a part of my life since I was a child, I knew the risks, but had no fear persay.

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?

I was very discreet prior to surgery. Only my very closest friends and family members knew. Truthfully, I didn;t want to hear their opinion, nor did I want the pressure of their expectations. Now that I am down 90 pounds within 6 months I am much more open, and the repsonse has been very supportive.

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

I chose not to disclose the nature of my surgery to my employer. My co-workers only found out about 3 months after surgery.

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

Central CT surgeons' session was very real. The doctors spoke in terms we could understand and the patient experiences were a great addition.

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

I was out in 24 hours, which is relaively quick for gastric bypass. My results may not be typical, but seriously I had no pain.

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

None whatsoever

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 walking 1/2 mile within 4 days post-op. It was a breeze.

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

My experience may not be typical, but I did not encounter any real pain. Sneezing gave me a twinge for the first 2 weeks or so, but it was much easier than I anticipated.

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

2 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.

Again, I looked at the surgery as a new beginning to my relationship with food, so I was very conscious of quantity and content. I tried steak too soon (week 3 I think) and that didn;t go so well. The end result is that I am much more aware of what and how I am eating. The total lack of appetite is awesome!!!

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

I rturned to the gym within the week, and now go 4 times a week.

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

The multi-vitamin 2X's daily, B-12, and calcium with D. I have also added B complex as an added measure to assist with hair loss.

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?

The only side effect that I have experience is the thinning of my hair. It is not excessive, but in the shower it is noticably more that prior to surgery. My PCP is ot concerned and states it will stop and grow back after 3 months or so, but I have added B complex to help the process.

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

There hasn't been a negative yet

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

I attended 2 or 3 support groups held at the surgeon's office

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

I have 3 little slits (1.5 inches long) and 1 slightly monger (3 inches) very minimal, although it looks like I was in a knife fight ;)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am happy with my progress. 90 punds at just over 5 months after surgery. I don;t know if that is on pace, but since I went from a size 26W to a 14W, I am fine with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do not beleive so. I always had a certain self-confidence so I don't notice any difference.