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

My mom was a nurse and her friend had a gastric bypass in the 80's was the very first time I heard about it and my initial impression wasn't good because of the complications this woman had. It was scary to even think about. I thought it was so dangerous and that maybe it was a cop out way of losing weight. (thinking I could do this on my own)

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

My experience was pretty easy thank goodness. My PCP referred me to the bariatric specialist just when I brought up the idea of using bariatric surgery as a possible way to finally lose all this weight. And from then on it has been pretty smooth. I think I started the process in May 2011 and surgery was scheduled for July 13th, 2011.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was actually scary and I felt rushed because everything started backwards for me. My PCP had sent me directly to the surgeon and not to the bariatric specialist; nutritionist etc.. so I was confused and unsure of what to ask and I felt like the doctor was rushing because he was use to this process. It scared me so bad I ended up checking out the other surgeon in the center I am with and going with him, but that was after going through the nutritionist, psychologist etc.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After talking to my surgeon about VSG the way he put it "the plumbing stays exactly the same, you just have a smaller stomach." Then I felt comfortable about making the decision.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all the options. I knew that I was way to scared to have the complete gastric bypass because the malabsorption issues scared me. Then the lap-band came along and I thought "oh something not permanent" in actuality it is very permanent. After doing all the research and thinking I wanted the band I started talking to the nutritionists and nurses and doctors and had the bariatric class and learned about the VSG. I was scared about the process but it seemed the most natural to me so after speaking to the surgeon and him telling me that the way I digest won't change really, but I will have a smaller stomach and eat less with no real malabsorption. Then I decided on the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.

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?

The fear is there up until the day you have surgery. But the fear of not having the surgery and dying a slow painful death from the complications of obesity made me think about the odds of something happening during surgery as less of an issue. The complications and death from obesity are a lot higher. I have faith in the doctors after speaking to them. Sure there are no promises because it's surgery of course, but the chances of having a stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes from being obese are almost a sure thing.

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 husband thinks it is a good idea and is behind me all the way from the beginning. My therapist thinks it's a great idea as well. My friends and brothers are hesitant but think it's a good idea. My family (i.e. mother, sister) are scared and fearful but think it's a good idea in the long run.

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

My employer didn't think anything about it. And I took 6 1/2 weeks off. The first week I took off before surgery because of the liquid diet; working in a kitchen would not have helped me stick to a liquid diet so that was a no-brainer. Because my work is a lot of lifting and standing I took the maximum time off so that I could heal properly and the surgeon agreed with me.

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

I was a bit nervous because I had so many questions. Afterwards I was very happy I attended because I was able to ask questions and get answers as well as listen to all the information good and bad about each procedure.

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

My stay in Scripps Green was really good. I was there for 2 days after surgery and the only things I brought was a robe, and my mask for the c-pap machine.

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

The only minor complication if you could call it that was the nausea from the anesthesia. After they gave me the anti-nausea meds I was just fine.

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 felt absolutely scared, and doubted the decision I was making. I coped with the feelings by coming to OH and asking questions and telling people how I felt online and at home. My husband helped a lot.

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

My first couple weeks were not to bad at first, but then it got brutal. After I started to heal I felt hungry, knowing I wasn't really hungry but dealing with the thoughts of food were hard but I talked with my therapist the following Friday after surgery and it really helped.

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

Not far. Maybe 25 minutes 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 was on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks post-op and was allowed broths, strained soups, SF jello, SF popsicles. There really are no off limits foods in my mind, I just choose to make a healthier choice since my tummy capacity is so small. When I was able to have soft foods and purees I couldn't tolerate food too dense, but after that I have tried everything and really have no problems. Some denser foods sit heavier in my tummy but nothing that makes me sick, for example ground beef I can eat maybe and ounce and a half and I am very full but if I have salmon I can probably eat closer to 3.5 ounces.

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

For the first couple weeks just walking around malls and things like that. After I was given the ok to exercise I was at the gym starting at 30 min for 3 to 4 days a week. Then it evolved into 1 hr for 5 days a week and on the weekends I get walking in by doing other things like going to an amusement park or walking around Old Town San Diego. I bought a fitbit which tracks my steps and I work to get 10,000 + steps a day.

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

2 Children chewable multi-vitamins, plus 1,000 mg of calcium and prevacid daily. I am no longer taking prevacid but I do take 2,000 iu of Vitamin D.

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 felt like I had a lump in my throat some days were worse than others. It has persisted for the 12 days since surgery and I am not sure why yet I see the doctor on Thursday.

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

The worst part was the nausea after surgery and then the second worst part was my feelings towards food.

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

I attending the Scripps support group that meets once a month at one of the hospital centers, and I regularly talk to and read forum posts on OH and other sites.

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

I have 5 small scars maybe 1 inch wide at most they are scars and it's what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a plateau or stall right now, but I have been battling bronchitis and not working out. So the scale has been holding steady but I know when I am 100% the weight will start moving again. All said I have had 1 other stall at about 2 weeks post-op and this one I am currently in.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really I told people at work and family and they have all been supportive and no one treats me any different except to say I look good.