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

I found out about bariatric surgery through a friend. I was terrified of being surgically 'altered.' I was scared that in my quest to be thin, I would end up dying from complications or in surgery. Thank goodness, everything I feared was cleared up to me by my surgical team.

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

Luckily, I had very good insurance. I qualified immediately and it was simple from start to finish. From hearing other's trials and tribulations on getting approved, my advice would be to NOT take "no" for an answer.

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

My advice is to go into this meeting 100% educated on the subject. Express your fears to the doctor...write down the answers to your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that if I was EVER going to do it...now was the time. NO more wasting time and money on things that didn't work. I wanted the surgical tools to do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a lot of personal research. I also talked to various people who had various procedures.

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?

Each person must come to terms with what they are facing. There are risks...but with everything wonderful comes risks. I was considered a "lightweight" and my health wasn't (yet) adversely affected by the weight...but for those who are morbidly obese...the question, in reality, is this: Do you want to life half a life...encased in a tomb of fat....slowly dying prematurely...or do you want a chance to LIVE a full, rich life..being the person you are...underneath all those pounds? With everything wonderful in life is a risk.

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?

Everyone was very supportive...they were apprehensive (still are) ...but it was totally MY decision.

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

I only took 2 weeks off of work...BAD decision. I had a few issues. I would recommend at a minimum 3 weeks.. (or more). Very supportive work family.

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

I was very glad for the information. For me, it was merely a requirement. I had already made up my mind.

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

The hospital stay was fine. Bring a support person.

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

I had torn my internal stitches trying to walk too much on the treadmill very soon after surgery. My advice is to wear a 'girdle' or some type of compression garments to prevent this.

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 felt very weak and sick right after surgery. Not everyone experiences this...but it will pass....I PROMISE>

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

You are very weak...and the small amount of food you consume makes you feel weaker. Don't expect yourself to bounce right back. Allow yourself to be taken care of...don't fixate on how much (or little) weight you are losing.

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

I was within 20 minutes of my hospital.

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 could hardly eat anything after surgery. I threw up constantly. Slowly, I was able to consume more (graduating from liquid to soft to small amounts of normal). Months 3 and 4 I was able to eat anything (except lettuce)...at nearly 5 months, raw veggies still give me a little problem.

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

I pushed myself too hard after surgery...DONT do this. At month 3 I FINALLY felt better. Months 4 and 5 have been nearly like 'normal.'

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

I take all my recommended vitamins (from the Nut.)

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 have been unable to "dump"...no matter what I eat. Nausea was constant for me for 6 weeks. I threw up daily for probably 2 months. I have thinning hair (months 4 and 5)..but nothing too significant. Coping with them, well, you have no choice...you have to learn to deal with the issues.

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

Torn internal stitch was the WORST thing. It was my fault, however--pushing myself regarding exercise when I was first home from the hospital. WEAR A COMPRESSION GARMENT.

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

I have been lax with my support group. I am making a resolution to attend regularly.

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

Scar is minimal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Thinner people are treated better than fat people. End of story. People are more helpful, more tolerant, and nicer in general. Fat discrimination is rampant in the world. The only way to combat it is to vow to NOT treat anyone fat differently...and if YOU are the fat person..the only thing you can do to change it is to lose the weight. Sadly, there is no other way.