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

A friend of mine had lap band surgery and I was so jealous! She ended up not being successful but it was in my mind. My doctor suggested it several times and I kept throwing away the referral slip. Finally last December I signed up for the seminar and the very next day had a doctor appointment and began my journey. Because of my friends failure with lap band, I decided to go with the sleeve procedure. It has been three months and it was the best decision I ever made!

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

I counted on the surgeons office to know what my insurance company would need for approval. After I had gone through all of my classes and medical clearances, all of a sudden the surgeons office was asking for proof that I had been medically supervised by my doctor for weight loss in the last year. Fortunately I had seen my doctor several times that year and he had documented discussions on my failure to lose weight. Also, I did not know that I had to prove that in the last two years that I had a certain BMI. I was fortunate that my doctors office was able to give me what I needed. However, I wish the surgeons office had told me this six months prior when I went to my first visit. I suggest that you look over your insurance yourself so you know exactly what you need from the very beginning!

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

At the seminar they scheduled a meeting with the surgeon for the next day. I felt they were making sure that I didn't get away. If I had not been so sure about having the surgery then I would have been a little uncomfortable by this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I quit worrying what friends and family would think. I had been steadily gaining weight and was pushing the 300 pounds. This really scared me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I am a single mother of three children. Their father passed away and I am all they have. So I did not want to take any unnecessary risks, so I did not fell comfortable with rerouting my intestines. I knew that my friend was unsuccessful with the lap band. So I decided that the sleeve would be my best option.

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 was afraid I would die. That was my only fear. However, once I made the decision then I did not worry so much about that. The last few days before surgery I could not have been happier! This was the best decision I ever made!

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?

I got pretty good support. I think they were unsure that I would be able to do what needed to be done to stay the course. But I am showing them that I am dedicated and I have changed my life.

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

My employer was supportive. I took four weeks off from work. I really needed that time because I did not need to deal with pureed food when I went back to work.

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

I was glad I attended the seminar. The doctor was very thorough about the different procedures. Also, there was someone there who did a testimonial which was rewarding.

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

Two days in the hospital. I did not need to bring anything. I spent both days in great pain from gas pains and extreme nasseau. Once I get home everything got better!

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

I walked the halls to try and dissipate the gas pains but it did not really help.

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! Once I got home everything has been great!

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

I was well prepared for the first few weeks at home. I had the food I needed and a magic bullet which pureed everything I wanted to eat.

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

They do not do sleeve surgery in my town so I had to travel 40 miles. This caused no problems. Other than I wish there was a support group closer.

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.

My favorite food when I came home was refried beans! I have trouble drinking protein drinks that I make. The premade ones I am more tolerant of. Thank god for greek yogurt and lite cheese sticks, they pack so well for work. And I also really enjoy crystal light and sugar free pops. I have not tried any cookie/cakes/ice cream/candy/breads but I have no trouble staying away from them.

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

I was very tired after surgery. By the time I went back to work after four weeks I was back at the gym and when I returned to work I started walking at lunch which I am keeping up with.

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

Flintstone complete, B12, calcium citrate and premier shakes

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?

Little bit of hair loss starting but I have a lot of hair. No problem sleeping. I have vomited twice when I over ate. I have to eat slow so I know when to stop.

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

The two days in the hospital. And the week waiting for insurance approval.

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

I go once a month to the support group at the hospital. And I read the OH website constantly. Both things are very important to me!

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

Five small red marks. No big deal, I have way worse scars than those.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been losing three pounds a week for the last few months. This week I have been on vacation and only lost two pounds but I am okay with that. I just have to keep plugging along!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

If they are it is because I am acting differently. I am a much more confident person! Thank God for my sleeve!