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

My first impressions were "WOW" could this work for me. I don't remember where I first heard about it.

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

Get everything together before it's sent to your insurance. My insurance initial told me it was IMPOSSIBLE to get approved for my surgery--had everything together and was approved after 2 days.

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

I had all ready gone to his seminar, so a lot of my questions were answered before my consultation. Write down all the questions that you have--don't rely on memory and don't be embarrassed to ask it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY was my only choice--I wouldn't even consider Lap Band.

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 figured that if I was going to die at least I would die trying to better myself.

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 has been wonderful--especially my husband. Everyone needs to remember that this doesn't just change your life, it changes everyone around you too.

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

My co-workers started working out more to lose weight. They had gotten comfy with me being that fatty of the office. Now I weigh less than a lot of them :) I took one week off after I got out of the hospital.

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

It was a wonderful stay. I had surgery on a Wednesday morning and was out by Friday at 12:30 p.m. My surgeon said I set a new record for getting out early for him. Bring comfy clothes to ride home in.

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

No complications.

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

For a moment after surgery when I was home I wondered, "Why the hell did I do this to myself???" Then I looked at my daughter and realized exactly why.

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

First few weeks home (and even after) was just following the guidelines to the letter. Expect to feel tired and expect to just feel different. You've made a great step to making your life better.

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

My surgeon is about three hours away from where I live. I missed a couple appointments, but went to the "BIG" ones. My surgeon was okay with that.

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.

Foods off limits were any sweets, most meats, and breads, of course. I still don't do most of those. A lot of jello and chicken broth at first. Gets old, but you just deal with it.

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

A lot of walking. Each time I went out for a walk I would go a little further--even if it was just another block.

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

I take two adult vitamins a day and B-12 sublinguals.

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?

Hair loss during the 6 to 11 month period. That finally stopped. You just deal with it.

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

Nothing.

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

I don't have any support groups in my area. A friend I met at my surgeons who had RNY two days before me has been a wonderful help and friend to me. My family supports me a lot. And I love OH.com.

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

I have six little scars--they're still pretty dark, and they're what I expected, but they don't bother me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm on a plateau now at 169, but I need to exercise more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are in shock. I've been heavy all my life. There are some jealousy issues--but I figure that's their issue, not mine. I do get treated nicer and I don't feel like everyone is watching what I put into my mouth like they did when I was obese.