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

The first time I heard of WLS was from the news. Although there were a few success stories out there at the time, most of the things I heard were all negative; people dying, people having to re-do the surgery, a whole bunch of things. I wanted to lose weight, but I didn't want to lose my life in the process. So, I put off for years something that could have saved my life a lot sooner.

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

Surprisingly, I didn't have any problems with insurance approval. I see a lot of people mention they have issues with approval & my heart goes out to them. Every person should have the opportunity to regain control of their lives.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was great. She gave me TONS of information on the different types of WLS & even more stipulations for getting the surgery (clearances, etc). My surgeon had this aura about her that just made me feel SO comfortable & at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daughter. There is no other way to put it. Although there were other factors, she was & has always been my #1 reason for losing weight. After failing horribly with the Lap Band, I hated the way people looked at me, especially at places where food was present. I hated having to go clothes shopping & seeing a sexy outfit on the rack, only to try it on & have it look DISGUSTING on me. I hated the fact that I would get together with family members whom I haven't seen in years & the first thing they would comment on was my weight, as if my weight was the ONLY thing that defined me as a person.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After the initial consultation with my surgeon, I took all of the information home & read over the materials. After making my decision (VSG), I talked it over with my husband & mother. I presented them with all of the pros/cons of each surgery & they ultimately sided with the VSG as well.

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?

There is always the fear of dying from WLS. No matter how excited I was about my surgery, the thought of possible death was in the back of my mind. I can't tell others how to think or feel; they are after all THEIR thoughts & fears. I can say that everything they might be feeling is normal. I do suggest a support group; there are great people in those groups who have/are/will experience everything others may be feeling.

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 chose to tell only a few people close to me. Although I got mixed reactions, none of them were negative towards my decision. I had surgery almost a week ago, but everyone that I told 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?

The two people in management that I told were/are very supportive in my decision. I don't work during the summer so the timing of my surgery was perfect as far as time off.

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

Attending my first information seminar was good. I went in a little nervous but came out very informed.

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 overnight. Aside from the worst roommate ever, the hospital stay was good. My night nurse was wonderful; that lady needs a raise :-)

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

To date, I have not had any complications, thank God.

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

Anxiety was definitely a good word to describe what I was feeling; both good & bad. I coped with my anxiety by writing in my OH blog.

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

Although I have only been home a few days, I still can't comment on this. Everyone's recovery time & experiences are different than other people.

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

I had to travel about half an hour to the hospital from my home.

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'm still on my liquid stages so I can't comment on this.

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

I am 5 days out from surgery & I'm actually going for a walk this afternoon.

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

I take a vitamin D pills well as a multivitamin pill that I make my daughter & husband take as well :-)

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 haven't had any side effects yet & I hope that I don't have to experience any.

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

The gas pains after surgery is without a doubt the WORST part of surgery. For me, these pains were actually worse than the surgery itself.

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

My family has been supporting me & I will continue to go to the monthly support groups.

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

I go to the doctor tomorrow for my first follow-up so I will see then what the big scar looks like. It's covered up to protect the drain.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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