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

I first learned of WLS about 10- 12 years ago when a lady I knew had it done. For years I was totally against surgery, but after doing some research learned that the mortality rates and options have improved a great deal.

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

I did not have any trouble with getting my insurance to approve the surgery. I went to a seminar, consulted with the surgeon, had a blood test, seen a nutritionist, psych evaluation and was approved with in 5 business days!.

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

My consultation at the surgeon's office was with his physician's assistant Ruth. She was very nice as was the rest of the staff. Being weighed by a young, small framed medical assistant would normally have made me very uncomfortable, but not in this office. The whole staff was very pleasant, and supportive.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being 43 years old and obese, then finding out that I was pregnant after 18 years. I knew I had to do something so I could be around to watch my daughter grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked to several people I know who have had the gastric bypass, and then when I spoke with the surgeons office they explained all the procedures thoroughly and helped me decide which one would benefit me the most.

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 a fear that I would not wake up from the surgery. I think it was a normal fear that most people have. I just prayed that if this was meant to be then everything would get approved, and go well during my surgery. So I guess it was meant to be since I made it and have had no problems as of yet.

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 was very supportive. My one sister had some concerns, because she also has seen the good and bad of how some of these surgeries can end up. After she done some of her own research she ended up being my biggest supporter.

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

My employer is a medical doctor, so he knows all about the procedure etc. He was very supportive and comforting to me when making this decision. My coworkers we all very supportive too. One of my coworkers is thinking of having the lap band done so she is very excited to see how I do with weight loss.

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

It was interesting, I really enjoyed being there. I do wish there was more details about how everything goes.

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

I had my surgery on a Tuesday morning and came home Wednesday morning. My hospital stay was great. The nurses at Memorial medical center are very good at their jobs. They are caring and attentive. I would actually say the only thing I really needed while being there was the clothes I wanted to wear home. The hospital supplied everything I needed.

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

The only issue I have had was that one of my incisions opened up the day I came home from the hospital. This hasn't been a real problem, and has been easy to take care of with a little irrigation and gauze.

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 tired the first week, but was able to go back to work in two weeks. I still feel a little tired here and there, but this is because I am still obese. I have way more energy than I had before my surgery.

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

Rest, Rest, and Rest. I had a hard time doing this because I had a 6 month old baby, but I do think people should rest as much as possible. Do watch the clock and make yourself eat when you are supposed to. You will not feel hungry so you have to remember to get your fluids in and eat.

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

It is only about 30 minutes from my house to the surgeons office and hospital where I had my 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.

At the first week I only had clear fluids such as broths, jello, and Popsicles. I was moved to the next stage where I am at now to pureed/soft foods. I have been able to eat moist chicken breast if I grind it up, mashed vegetables, tuna, and things like that. However I had purchased a Vanilla flavored protein powder and do not like it at all. I have not been getting enough protein in lately because I can not bring myself to drink it. I plan to try a few different flavors for my protein.

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

The first week I did not exercise at all. I now have started walking and am continuing to try and walk a little everyday. I plan to extend my walking until I am able to walk for at least 45-1 daily. Then join the gym for more options.

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

I take a multivitamin, calcium citrate, iron(since my multivitamin does not have any in it), biotin,vitamin B complex. The prescriptions I was given after surgery are prilosec, my-tab (for gas relief) and a stool softener, and promethasine

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 have only had one episode where I kind of felt a little nausea. I have not had any dumping, hair loss or sleep disturbance at all.

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

I have to say that I have no complaints what so ever with the process.

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

There are support groups near my town.

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

I think the only scar I will have is where the one incision opened up. It will not be a big scar or look that bad. I do not mind if I end up having one small scar for a life time of feeling better and being at a normal size.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none at this point. I go for my 1 month check up this week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice one or two people I know that watch to see what I am eating and how much. They have never said anything, but I know they watch me.