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

I first heard about bariatric surgery late 2002, when my sister was exploring the option. I was very happy for her, and she did real well. She was a bit obsessed with mirrors that first year, as I very well may be! My mother also had bypass surgery late 2009. I know that their health is much better than before surgery. Mom tried to bribe me to have the surgery, but I just needed it to be my idea, and I had to be ready for myself.

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

I had no issues with insurance approval for surgery, probably because of my high BMI of 59. My doctor's referral was very thorough, and I started all of my pre-operative appointments right away.

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 at a seminar. Because my sister, mother, and a few friends had had the surgery, I was pretty confident that I was going to commit to having bypass surgery. I would encourage one who has little information about surgery to do a lot of research and bring a list of any questions they would like to have answered by the surgeon. A friend had already used this surgeon and loved her experience with him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had gotten all my health numbers close to target with diet and medication, and wasn't having the surgery for anyone else but myself. With my weight, I knew that without serious intervention, I would not live to meet all of my grandchildren. I have 10 children and 11 grandchildren, with one more on the way. Six of my kids still haven't had their own yet. I want to be as good a grandma as my own were, and my mother is. I want to be remembered as the fun grandma, not the sweaty smelly one who just sat in her recliner all day.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My sister and mother both had the gastric bypass, so that was what I chose. In addition, I didn't want the latitude of the lap band or sleeve surgeries, with a potential to gain back the weight more easily than the bypass.

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?

Though I don't feel fearful of the potential for complications, I do secretly hope I cannot tolerate sugars after surgery. I am not afraid of dying on the table, as it certainly would be a peaceful death, and I know my destination! Neither my sister nor my mother had severe complications from their surgeries. My sister experienced some very low iron and Vitamin D levels, but doctors are much more aware of these items than 9 years ago.

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 is very supportive and encouraging, because of the success of my mom and sister. I believe that my husband, children, friends, and family will be extremely supportive post surgery.

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

I finished a bachelor's degree in Psychology in August of this year, and have been looking for work. When I decided to pursue surgery, I put job-hunting on hold until the beginning of 2013, after surgery. The place I volunteer will be closed several days over the holidays, so I will only miss one afternoon. Another volunteer picked up my clients, and they are all very supportive. I hope they will stop bringing cookies and chocolate into the office, or keep it in the coffee room, not the volunteer room!

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

Because I was very familiar with the options of surgery, there were no apprehensions.

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

Surgery date is 12/26/12.

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

Surgery is 12/26/12.

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

My surgery was scheduled on 12/6, for just 20 days later. I am coping with my anxiety by discussing the surgery with people who have already experienced it. I also am doing a TON of research on the Internet. If I read a chunk of negative information, I balance it by reading some more positive posts on OH.

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

Surgery scheduled for 12/26/12.

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

My surgery will be about 15 minutes away, and the group has another office even closer to my home for 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.

Surgery is scheduled for 12/26/12.

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

No surgery yet

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

No surgery yet.

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?

No surgery yet.

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

No surgery yet.

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

No surgery yet.

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

No surgery yet, but planning on a laproscopic surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No surgery yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No surgery yet.