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

I first conversation about weight loss surgery came a couple years before I even considered it. I was in denial about my weight being a 'problem' Well needless to say after I had surgery on both feet and my surgeon told me that she would have to re-operate on my foot becuase my weight was effecting the healing, well........ got my referral done as quickly as possible to meet with WLS doctor. He was fabulous and so genuine that I knew it would be ok. I had hope for another chance at living my life! I couldnt get it done fast enough to suit me! :)

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

The office manager/insurance 'specialist' in my doc's office was/is the bomb! She is quick on getting information submitted and contacting you for any additional information that may be needed. My only advice.... DOCUMENT everything for your doctor and in case the insurance needs it... It is absolutely worth the extra 10 minutes it takes to make a note or two about that is going on with you and what is effecting your lifestyle......

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

My meeting was great! I think it was because we were both prepared. By this, I mean--he knows what he is going to do, talk about, ask, etc... YOU should be too. Make a note of all the things you need/want to know. List them in order of importance in case time runs short, but have them there.... That way you feel like you have gotten the most out of your appointment and you will have fewer questions/reservations when you get home and are thinking about your appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew by the time I got my appointment that I would have the surgery. The only thing I didnt know was a date and time. When I finally made up my mind that I was ready for a change, I just took that "leap of faith!!" But my decision was based on wanting my life back. Being able to spend time with family and friends, not being in pain all day/every day, wanting to see my daughter graduate high school and grandbabies grow up, etc.......

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I didnt want the full gastric bypass surgery immediately. The LapBand was my option just because I wouldnt do bypass.... Sleeve wasnt really performed around here so much at that time, but I might have thought about it.... I am happy with my choice though!!! NO REGRETS!!!!

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 none of those fears! I think that came from trusting my surgeon 120% I dont think those complications ever crossed my mind really......

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 ran into a couple walls from the family. My hubby and kids were 100% supportive from start until now... My parents supported me 75% of the time, because they didnt understand that you can't just "change what you eat" and lose the weight... My brother has actually stopped talking to me completely. His wife wanted to do it with me and he told her no, now I havent talked to him in about 2 yrs. My advice, as it were, don't let the lack of support from family/friends deter you from taking back your life. There are groups out there that can give you that support and you will make new life-long friends that understand what you are dealing with....HOWEVER, embrace the family/friends who do support you because they will be your biggest cheerleaders and tissue-holders when you need them!!

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

I wasnt working at the time. However, I was told that you can expect to be off for a week and then go back light duty. I know for myself, that would have been easy to do....

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

The seminars are very imformative, of course, I am obsessive so I had already read everything I could find before I even met with the surgeon....

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

I only spent the night in the hospital but the stay was ok. Everyone was so nice and supportive... Most important thing to bring: toothbrush/paste and loose clothing for you trip home! SLIP-ON shoes (ie flip flops)

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

N/A

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 ready! Those 2 weeks couldnt pass fast enough..... well except the liquid diet... ick!

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

only to follow the post-op diet! It does make things go a little smoother!

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

about 5 minutes down the road, so it did not affect my aftercare.....

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 can't handle 'sticky/gooey' foods, i.e. rice, pasta, etc. I could handle most of the things on my 'menu' as long as I followed the progression like I was supposed to. For example, 2 weeks liquid was hard after surgery (because I had already been on liquids for 2 weeks) but sneaking in 'soft' food was a bad idea! But the advice I give out most: retry the foods you never liked, becuase my tastes have changed. I never liked green beans EVER!! but now, I could have seasoned green beans with every meal!!

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

I was up walking the day of surgery (that afternoon/evening) and I just continued after I got home. Walked the block within a couple days... I was determined to not lay around anymore--I had done that for years, it is how I came to need WLS afterall!

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

Just a multivitamin and calcium supplements. Keep liquid protein on hand in case I dont make my goal for the day....

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?

had some thinning of my hair but I just dealt with it. Changed shampoo and took in my protein to offset it... It kinda balanced out after about a year, when I leveled off on my weight loss....

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

Giving up my Dublin Dr Pepper!!! That is the ONLY thing I miss!

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

We have a support group here at Metroplex. We meet a couple times a month and then of course we are all on Facebook for those last minute 'bad days'

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

It is minimal, longest one is about 1.25 inches long. Completely what I expected.....

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a couple plateau periods. I am very OCD and these drove me crazy. I am at one right now, but I am dealing because I am at my original goal weight. I just want to drop the last 5 pounds... :) I just change my eating habits, revert back to calorie counting, and 'sucking it up' (as my teenage daughter would say)!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have always been friendly and outgoing, but I think they treat me differently because I see myself differently. Before I tried to hide (blend in to the scenery) so they had no choice but to overlook me...