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

I heard about it from my closest friend who had it two years before I did. She had a different doctor than I did. Then my physician told me to consider it. Think about it, pray about it and research it.

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

I had CDPHP at first. My doctor was covered but the hospital where he had privileges didn't accept that carrier. I was able to switch to Blue Cross/Blue Shield and didn't have any problems after that.

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

I didn't get to meet my surgeon until three months of his established program. Then we met, he was happy with my progress and my test results and we scheduled surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to. My mother is diabetic. has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and is overweight. My father has high cholesterol also. I was only in my 30's but I was 200# overweight and was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it to my 60 without all of those problems. Not to mention I was miserable.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had Rouen-Y Gastric Bypass. My surgeon explained my choices. I did A LOT of research. My closest friend had the bypass surgery so I knew what she went through and had her for a sounding board. I knew that if I chose the Lap-Band or any version of it I would eat what I wanted and not lose the weight. Plus, I hated the idea of having that foreign object in my body. Personal choices.

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 had those fears, but they weren't overwhelming. The only surgery I had had before the bypass was a C-Section for my last child. I had never had a cavity or anything. So I was scared. It was all completely a mystery to me. I was afraid of what was going to happen if I didn't lose the weight too. They need to do their research from reputable locations, ask a lot of questions and listen to their heart. Know what is best for themselves.

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 ecstatic at the idea of me losing the weight. Of course they were concerned about any complications, especially since my husband and I have four children. At the time they were 10, 7, 6, 3. We explained the best we could what I was having surgery for, without scaring them. My parents were getting very scared that I was going to have a heart attack or something so they were very supportive of my decision. My husband was supportive of my decision and made it clear that he was with me no matter what decision I made.

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

I was a stay-at-home mother. So I didn't have to explain it to anyone but my family.

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

My surgeon had a 3 month program that we had to attend before he would even meet with us. We had to prove we were determined to succeed. I am very glad that I had the surgeon I had. I was of course scared to go to my first meeting. But it was helpful knowing that there were so many people in the same boat trying to make the same choice.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. You need to bring reading material, anything to keep you occupied. Comfortable clothing. Your surgeon or his nurses will have recommendations. My stay was as pleasant as it could be. A bit boring and I missed my family. But the nurses were great and my surgeon was wonderful.

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

The only 'complication' was coming out of anesthesia. I had an immense desire to throw up. Of course they don't want you to do that. So they gave me shots to quell that desire. Other than that the only problems I had were not listening to my surgeon. For example, trying to eat too much, or too fast or trying to sneak an M&M. Then I would throw up. But you adjust, if your determined to make it work.

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

Anxious, for sure. But I tried to stay focused on preparing and spending time with my family.

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

First of all, I am a very good healer. Thank goodness. I rarely took my pain medication because I didn't require it. I tried to rest, take it easy and not allow myself to do too much. I tired to allow my body to heal. Some people will be in more pain than I was. Take your medication. Take it easy. Drink your fluids. And be proud of yourself for taking this step. Almost forgot. A day or so after surgery I was standing in my kitchen with my mother, she came to help, and I "tooted" only air wasn't the only thing to pass. Very embarrassing. Thank goodness I was home and my mom was there. That was the only instance of that happening. Nothing to be concerned about and completely normal. Remember, your body has been through a lot.

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

I was fortunate. I didn't have far to go. It was only about 20 miles or so.

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 couldn't eat peaches. They made me vomit. It's been almost 3 years and now I can. Milk is something that I have to limit. It makes my stomach feel-yucky. I don't throw it up, but it just doesn't sit well. I can drink soy milk instead. Of course anything you're not supposed to eat, high sugar or fat. It's not as much an issue the more time that goes by. But sometimes something will be okay and another time it wouldn't. Just don't be surprised...take it all in stride. Your body has to adjust to this big change. But it will.

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

I had to remind myself to take it easy because I felt good. But I do have four little boys and they wanted and needed their momma. I made sure I went to my post-op appointments and followed directions.

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

I need to take B-12, iron and zinc. I try to take powdered protein to increase my protein intake. My surgeon does blood work every 6 months. We go from there to determine what I need. It depends on so many variables.

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 more weight I lost the better I slept. By this point I was taking an SSRI and they can sometimes disturb your sleep. Sometimes I would have dumping, nausea, or vomiting. Usually these side effects were because I tried eating something I shouldn't have. You live and hopefully learn. I was fortunate and had a lot of support. Plus, I was going to therapy every week and then every other. At first it was to help me deal with my depression, then to help keep me on track. Now I don't see her anymore, but if I need to I know I can call her and start back up. My husband and I do a lot more talking now. I kept a lot from him out of fear. Not that he deserved to be feared, it was my own insecurities.

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

*Being so obese that I needed it.* I have to say that is really the truth. I had/have a fantastic surgeon, physician and therapist. My family is large and very supportive. I know that not everyone is so fortunate. There are many adjustment that have to be made and you have to be open to making them.

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

My surgeon has many group support activities. He has really tried to cover every base to help us be as successful as possible. Plus I was seeing a therapist for two years. I don't attend the support groups anymore. It's hard to get there with work, school and my family. But again, I reiterate that I have a large supportive family and my closest friend had the same surgery. So I am surrounded by a support groupl

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

I was able to have, I am drawing a blank, the type where they don't cut you open. I have five very small scars. It is what I expected and it doesn't bother me at all. Goodness, I have stretch marks covering my body from all of the excess weight and four pregnancies.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost about 120# within the first 6 months. The rest has trickled off. I am plateaued now. I weigh 210# now. I would like to lose more but I don't allow it to overwhelm me. I try to be glad at what I have lost and not gain any of it back.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a little. But I am different. My demeanor is different. My parents say they notice a glow that was missing for a long time. I am honestly happy. Some of it has to do with my depression medication. The weight loss is a big deal. I am also on the verge of earning my degree, something that I have wanted for a long time. I am often surrounded by people that have loved me all along. How fortunate am I? They don't treat me differently, but I treat me differently.