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

A few friends of mine told me they had it done and they were not what I thought was stereotypically the size that someone would receive bariatric surgery. So I figured I could look into it as well and I began the research. I thought that it was an amazing opportunity to avoid many health risks and pretty much start your life over again in a healthier way.

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

I did not have any issues with insurance approval. Our school district has awesome insurance and there were was no pre-surgery diet requirement or anything like that for someone with a BMI over 40.

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

He was awesome! He was very honest and willing to answer any questions. He reiterated that the surgery is just a tool and it is up to you to make this happen.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I wanted it when I went to the informational session but the health benefits made it a no brainer for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked at what would work best for me. I choose the Vertical Sleeve. I did not like the complications with the lap band as a friend of mine had her's slip and had to have emergency surgery to have it removed. People I work with lost a minimal amount of weight with the band as well. I also did not like the gastric bypass because it seemed as though the re-routing of the intestines was a little drastic and I was not sure about the issues with absorbing vitamins and nutrients.

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 honestly didn't really have any fears I was more afraid of what would happen if I didn't have it.

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 supportive, so much so that my dad referred me to the doctor and my mom had surgery the week before I did. My friends were not for it but once they see it works they have been supportive with the end result and amazed that I can't eat too much. I wouldn't do anything differently because I knew what I wanted and no one could change that.

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

They were very supportive before and after. I told them what I was having and was open and honest. I was off work for one week because the following week we were on vacation. When I came back they provided additional support to help with working with my students.

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

It was very informative and the staff was very honest. They didn't want you to have unrealistic expectations so they wanted to dispel any misconceptions. I was glad I attended because if I hadn't I would not have had surgery.

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

The hospital was nice. One of the top hospitals in our Metro Detroit area that perform weight loss surgery. I went in on Monday and left on Wednesday. It's important to bring a robe, pajama pants (for the hallway walks) and your toiletries.

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

No complications

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 sore but feeling good as time went on. I didn't have any anxiety at all.

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

People should know to take things slow. You can't expect to do the things that you used to do prior to the surgery because your energy is low and there is some discomfort from the soreness.

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

Did not travel far at all. The hospital is 30 minutes from my house, actually in the area of the university where I attend graduate school.

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.

Well no dairy for me, no meat (mainly just chicken), reduced carbs, etc. Now things are a little different I do enjoy sweets every now and again...Had a piece of birthday cake for my 30th birthday. I also eat a lot of fresh fruit and drink tea. I no longer drink coffee.

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

The days and weeks after the surgery my activity went from minimal and it improved. I honestly was not up to myself until about October. I did experience some back pain for a while after the surgery from over exerting myself with walking. And I never had it before the surgery.

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

I take the GNC solorton multi vitamin

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 thing I am beginning to notice is hair loss. I do wear a hair weave so it is covered however I can say that my hair is breaking on the sides but it is getting treated.

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

Just the wait to get to the date.

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

The office has a support group however due to my work and school schedule I have not regularly attended the sessions.

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

My scars are not bad. I have six little ones. I have had a few keloid, but other than that they are ok.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I can plateau for a few weeks it seems and then in a week drop five pounds out of no where. I don't let it stress me I just keep eating right, making sure I get in my protein and drink my fluids

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people are complimenting me on my clothes, and just the weight loss. They are in amazement that I lost so much in the last six months.