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

I knew someone who had it many years ago and have just progressively researched it and finally decided I needed more help than what I was doing for years. Up and down all my life a few pound here and a few there have never paid off. I am scared and know it is major surgery, but I also know my weight alone will break me down and lead to a more serious issue. This is a very drastic measure and has serious side effects. It is a lifestyle change and I am ready.

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

I have left the insurance to my doctors office. Be patient and confident.

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

Very nice. Ask lots of questions and listen, listen to all they have to say!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of the struggle and want to see my kids grow up. I want to enjoy life. Be healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

my doc said I was a good candidate for lap. I was happy with anything!

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 basic "what if" concerns. I knew it was not my decision to cause any problems or death...some one else is in charge..... I just kept telling myself I would be fine and awake in a few hours to begin a new 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?

It was my decision and they could not change my mind! They have all been very supportive and have had only positive things to say.

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

unemployed currently

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

my stay was good. my nurses and docs were very good and realized I wanted to be left alone. I was a model patient. I was up within a few hours walking the halls. the next night making my bed and walking alone. I did not use much of my meds and never complained about pain. my surgery was on Monday the 30th of July and came home Aug 1st. be sure to take your undies, and chapstick. Also a sense of humor!

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

no complications, I did hate the catheter and the drain and iv. but over all was great.

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

No anxiety yet. I feel great

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

week 1 and 2 I was alone. My husband had to return to work. I was ok as I had pretty much been very active day two of my return home. went shopping all day and also went sightseeing in Maine on day 3 or 4 after returning home. I was able to do light house keeping....folding clothes and dishes, walking the dog. Everyone is different, so therefore I cannot say what to do and not do....just be easy on yourself.

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

about 5 mins away. seemed like hours the morning of surgery.

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 have not really tried a variety of things as I am almost 2 weeks post op. I have had turkey, mashed potatoes, ham, yogurt, cottage cheese, sliced cheese, canned fruit, protien shakes. I will continue to update those that may or may not set well.

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

busy busy busy in just week one and a half!

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

just taken protien shakes since day 4 after surgery. vites begin next week. will be taking 2 flintstones chewables and calcium supps as well as b12 and iron.

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?

sleep on my tummy...kind of uncomfortable but manage. a small bit of nausia but that went away.

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

bowel prep....YUCK! catheter and drain and the wonderful highly rated swallow test!!!!!! I never knew anything could taste so bad!!!!!!!!

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

I only went to one post op support group. I was not comfortable going. I have not been to my follow ups due to personal reasons. I have also moved as of Feb 02. So trying to find a support group and doc has been a challenge. I feel it is important and I have not followed through as I should have.

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

I have 5 tiny slit like incisions and they are no worse than the dreaded stretch marks. They are slowly starting to belnd in and not be so red.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at at month 9 and have hit my plateau. I went from 234'ish to 158.5 and have stopped. It is very discouraging but I know I need to exercise more and drink tons of water and it will start again. I have been at 158.5 - 161 lbs for 3 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do not notice any looks and friends and family are amazed and proud. I feel better in public and want to be seen. I am in a size 10-12 from a 22-24. I am happy.