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

A girlfriend of mine had gastric bypass so after one year of trying to loose weight for the 100th time, I decided to go to a weight loss surgery seminar. I was confident when I walked in that I would proceed with the procedure. I attended the seminar in March and had surgery in late August. It is very important that you have a continuous record of weight loss program and exercise program documentation. Otherwise, you surgery date could be up to 1 year in the future.

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

I have teriffic insurance so there was no issue. You do have to provide records of continuous weight loss programs to expedite the surgery. Most physicians require this as well. Weight loss surgery is not a magic pill!

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

You need to ask questions and not be intimidated by the doctors or let them gloss over your questions. I did and should not have. I had no problems but was not pleased with the "one-on-one" interactions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

While I consider myself to still be youthful, weight adds years to your life and your appearance. I wanted to be finished with weight problems once and for all!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with my doctor about family history. While I believe I would have preferred gastric bypass, we decided the sleeve was my best option. I did not want the band as there could be a possibility of slipping.

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?

My greatest fear was dying during the procedure. Let's face it, this is major surgery and should not be taken lightly. That is why I say it is important to follow your doctor and nutritionalist instructions.

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 only told 3 people about the surgery because of being embarrased that I had to take this route. I didn't want to hear any negative comments as I made up my mind and was going ahead. I didn't want to hear anyone's speculation or add to my worries.

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

I did not tell my work associates the reason for my surgery other than it was a "personal female issue". Under FMLA, only your HR department needs to know the reason. I was out of work from August 20 and returned September 17 so I was out for 4 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was 2 days. I took just the basics and a couple magazines. After surgery the pain medicines keep you loopy that you really just want to sleep. By day 2, you just want to go home. Just bring bare essentials, change of clothes, shoes, and toiletries.

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

No complications but uncomfortable with the Jackson/Pratt drain. Couldn't wait to get that thing out! The doctors took it out the following week during my checkup.

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 went through and emotional rollercoaster ... should I or shouldn't I. Followed by ... did I do the right thing or did I not. Bottom line, it WAS the right thing to do! Words of advise: Don't be discouraged, don't be scared, don't listen to speculation, and DO what your doctor tells you!

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

Don't think you will be full of energy because you won't. Your body will be healing for the first week and you will be afraid to put anything in your mouth. It was hard just to get the fluids in but again, remember you body is healing. Week 2 you start to want some nutrition and will slowly begin to tolerate liquids, etc.

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

I live 15 miles from the hospital. I had a friend take me and another showed up, so when I recovered I had company. Although, I was really out of it due to the meds.

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.

Fluids only week 1, protien drinks week 2-3, followed by 4-6 pureed soups, mashed tuna. I have tried some solids but find that I just don't really want it. I am just starting week 6 and hope I can tolerate some meat. I know I can, but not sure I want to eat it yet. Although I'd love to have some kind of sandwich ... one-half of one would suit me just ifne. I know I can not do it because I always feel so full after a couple spoons.

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

As you loose weight, you feel more energetic. If you are not one to exercise or walk, give it a try anyway. You will find that it is something you can learn to enjoy.

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

Multi vitamin and calcium are the most important.

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 no problems other that loose stools. I guess they call it dumping, but with no food, it's just water. That lasted until I started on pureed foods.

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

Surgery and the pain medication. It's all worth it though.

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

Everyone is different. The more welcoming you are, the more welcoming other are to you. Just be happy as you are on your way!!

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

Small incisions and nothing unexpected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I feel like I have plateau's daily. You expect the scale to move every day but it doesn't. I can only tell you to be patient, the weight will come off! Stick to the program. You won't feel like overindulging anyway so you will see progress.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Are they treating me differently or am I behaving differently? As you loose weight, your confidence builds. Be receptive to others and you'll be doubly happy.