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

I heard about it a lot on T.V. through the years and thought I would never do that. Then I knew someone who had it done and they were sick and not well, and their whole personality changed so I was for sure against it then. After awhile though I started looking it up and finding out the truths about it.

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

wow, getting insurance approval was a learning lesson for sure. It was such a long process, and I would get frustrated and depressed by that process alone. Everything you have to have done has to be approved and set up by your primary md. which is very overwhelming because its up to other people to handle. After all was said and done and a year and a half went by I was denied the first time. I was so upset. I called my bariatric surgeons office and asked what happened and found out the insurance co. was just picky and they some forms filled out a certain way. So they took care of that. Re-submitted it and then was finally approved. There was a lot of back and forth between my primary md and the surgeons office to get this process done. Everything had to match up perfectly and had to be done in a timely manner. Anyone going through this just keep in mind that there are many people working on this for you, so always be kind and patient. It's not always their fault if somethings not done right away. Make sure you keep all the copies you can, which can help with the process, because things do get lost and you don't want to have to do it all over again. Keep your mind on the goal and don't be afraid to call and ask questions about whats going on or to just check on it to make sure they aren't forgetting you.

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

My first visit was so informative. They answered all my questions, by just having me watch a video. The best way to get the most out of it is to do your own research then go in there and ask all your questions up front. Be open-minded to listening to what the surgeon has to say. I went into see my surgeon with the idea of having the lap-band. Then after talking with him I changed to the gastric bypass. So be open-minded, but make sure you do what feels best for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't stand being this size anymore. I wanted to be healthy, get off the diabetic meds and other meds. I was on. I wanted to be able to move and most of all to breath.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I first wanted the lap-band because of it being reverseable. After talking with the surgeon I decided to have the gastric bypass. For my body size and conditions, I felt it was the best choice for me.

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 was so super scared. I kept feeling like I was being selfish, by putting myself at risk to die. I just kept thinking is that worth it to them. I had to tell myself that I will be a better person for them when I am done. They can have someone who is happier with themselves and will ultimately live longer without all the medications and problems. Noone can tell you not to fear it, but make sure the fear is rational, and not overwhelming. I focused on what I was actually afraid of which was hurting my family. I wasn't afraid of the surgery itself. I welcomed that because I knew it would better my life.

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 and friends were very shocked, except for my husband because he was by my side the whole time. My friends for the most part were happy for me and supportive. A couple didn't like the idea because all they heard were the horror stories. My family was ok with it, but my Mom had a really hard time accepting it, all the way up to the day of surgery. She was just scared of the unknown and she kept questioning if we had tried everything. Now that I am almost 4 weeks out everyone is supportive and happy for me. My Mom still doesn't understand it all but she is standing by me.

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

My supervisor was glad that I was having the procedure. She had went through the same thing 3 years earlier so she knew what I was about to go through and the surgery really helped her with her weight. I have been out of work for almost 4 weeks. I could have went back to work sooner but I had drs. appts and things to do so I decided to take the whole time so I didn't have to ask for time off so much. I feel totally ready to go back to work.

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

I never attended a seminar but I did go to a support group. It really helped a lot. I had a chance to talk to people who have already had the surgery and hear what they have been through and how they are dealing with some things. I totally recommend that for everyone, it makes a difference when your around other people like you.

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

My stay in the hospital was interesting since I have never had to stay before. It was a good experience. I had my own room and nurses that really cared and looked after me. I was there for 3 days, and had no issues. My only suggestion is to never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you need it. The most important thing that I brought was my toothbrush, comb, and slippers. I would have brought a robe but couldn't find one, so I managed fine with the gown, even while walking around.

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

The only issues I had was that my blood sugar was very low and because you can't have sugar or anything really it was hard to get it to go up. I just kept drinking as much as I could. It is really true that the more you walk the better you are even for that.

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 all over the place. I had the worst anxiety. The surgery and the outcome was all I could think of. I feel so sorry for my co-workers and husband because they had to constantly hear about it. I just felt overwhelmed that I was gonna mess up and do something wrong. I was so happy when the day finally came so I could focus on something else.

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

The last few weeks have been a learning period. You really have to pay attention to what you are putting in your body and asking yourself if this is going to help me or hurt me. Sometimes its hard to tell if your full until you have had to much so it is really important to wait after every couple of bites to let your body tell you. I struggle with that. I also get frustrated when my weight doesn't drop like I think it should. I had all these expectations and when they are not met I tend to freak out. I'm finding it is normal during this period for weight to do strange things like stall or even go up and down a little. Once the protein starts getting introduced it tends to calm down a little I noticed. Remember everyone is different. We all lose at different rates, just like not everyone can handle the same foods. You have to find the balance thats right for you.

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

I am lucky, my surgeon is about 15 minutes away as is the Hospital so I didn't and don't have to travel very far at all. I wouldn't want to be too far away.

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.

Since I'm only almost 4 weeks out, all I can say is my stomach hasn't rejected anything I have tried. Water doesn't taste as good to me as it did before so that is hard. I make egg salad and tried a couple of bites but it made me feel blah. I am afraid of powder protein because I could hardly stand the pre-op diet, so that is a challenge.

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

I have to admit my activily level hasn't been very good since surgery. It's not because I can't, it's because I get stuck in my room and have no motivation to get out, unless there is something planned for the day. Otherwise I just lay around and sleep. I did go up to the park and tried to walk the track but I got tired so fast, I could only make it around once. I have also done some weights and bands, but not enough.

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

I know take 2 Flintstones complete vitamins everyday. 4 viactiv calcium chews a day. Protonix 2 times a day. B-12 3 times a week. Biotin for hair, skin and nails once everyday. Plus I have to drink as much protein supplements as I can get down.

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?

So far I have been good with all of these things. I have had no sickness to speak of. I have really thin hair to begin with so I haven't noticed to much hair loss but I know it's happening, I might just be in denial. So as of right now I'm doing good with the side effects.

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

The worst part is figuring it all out. What foods to eat to give you the most of what you need. What protein supplements to take. Those are the hard things. The surgery itself was fine. I have been healing well with no difficulties.

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

I go to a support group once a month and it is great. You get to meet people who have been through what you have or are getting ready to go through it. You find out about products and you can discuss your issues. I totally recommend it.

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

I have seven little tiny scratch like scars around my stomach. The longest one maybe a half inch. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Being almost 4 weeks out I was surprised to have a plateau. It scared me and I thought I was doing something wrong. I found out I just need to get more protein to help my metabolism. Now my weight is going down again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't really think they are treating me differently, but they watch you more. They want to see the results and are expecting miracles. It feels a little uncomfortable but I know they are curious to see what this is really going to do to you.