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

At first when my brother-in-law said he was going to have it done I thought he was crazy. I did a lot of reading on the subject and came to the conclusion.....I want this.

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

I didn't have a hard time with approval. All I can say is keep trying.

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

A very quick firs visit. Meet the PA...Meet the Surgon...find out what you need to do...and do it. Getting classes required, exams, bloodwork.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live. I had high sugar readings and high blood presure and my legs and feet were hurting so bad I was having a hard time walking.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I trusted my doctor when he said what proceedure he wanted me to have. I did a lot of research on this doctor and I really believe he did what was best for me.

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 just made sure I did everything that the doctor and the classes told me to do. WALK...WALK....WALK! I really didn't have any fears going into the surgery. I handed it all to God. I believe that if you go into it with a positive attitude all will be fine. But do your homework and don't think that by not doing any work all will be ok. This is a life change and you have to pay attention to your body and eat right and excercise.

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 and friends were very supportive of me and my decision. I know they did a bit of praying and I love them for that. I would not have done anything different. I told tham what I was going to do and if they didn't like it that was there problem not mine.

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

My employer and supervisor were very much with me on this. They encouraged me every step of the way and told me to take as much time as I needed. They sent me flowers in the hospital and called me even after I got home to make sure I was ok and ask if I needed anything. I was only out of work 3 weeks.

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

My stay at the hospital was good. The nurses were very attentive and helpful. I had my surgery on Friday at 1:00 and was home Sunday at about noon. I did bring a robe and slippers because you want to get up and walk as soon as you can. I also had photos of my children and grandchildren at my bedside. I did have some puzzle books but never got around to using them.

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

None. The only thing was making sure that you just eat the amount they tell you to because if you eat more its coming back up.

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 so happy. I did a count down at work. I did think that it was a bit of a long wait. I got my date and it was 6 months out.

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

WALK...WALK.....WALK....I can't say this enough. I took walks everyday. I started just going to the end of my short street. In a week I was walking around the block and in 2 weeks I was walking a 1/2 mile. I had to stop and join a gym because living in Phoenix you can't drink enough water in the heat or you will bring it back up. I felt that being in an air conditioned gym would be better for me. As far as eating it is trial and error. Just keep trying.

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 first you drink everything. Then you puree and still pretty much drink everything. When I started with more solid food I didn't do so good. It is trial and error for the most part. You will learn very early what not to eat. I still have a hard time with meat. I can eat chili and tocco's and a little bit of chicken but not much else. I do eat cheese, cottage cheese, yogert, baked potatoes stuff like that. I am 5 months post op and have lost 101 pounds.

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?

Not much of anything. I did have nausia at about 3 weeks but found out that my patasium was low. Pay attention to your body. I am having some hair loss now but I hear that is common at 4-5 months post op.

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

There are 3 of us at work that have had this done. We talk to eachother and compare notes. I use this site as well to ask questions. It is very helpful.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have not really experienced it yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. People treat you like you matter. This makes me so mad and yet it feels good at the same time. CRAZY!