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

I was VERY interested and waited until the insurance companies woke up and started paying for it!

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

It was relatively easy.

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

He was warm and professional at the same time. Bring a list of questions, the only silly question is the one you don't ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My elderly parents had health issues last fall and that sealed it for me. I knew Diabetes had a target on my back and I was a sitting duck.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the procedure that was offered to me. I looked into the Mini but since insurance won't pay, I decided against it.

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?

Since my hubby had a complication 2 weeks out and I am doing so well, I'm sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop. But, I think I'm going to do just fine!

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, along with my inlaws. Friends worried that I wasn't heavy enough and about the complications.

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

No problem, put in a leave slip and apply for the Family Medical Leave, just in case of complications.

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

My stay was good, I needed a better mattress and pillows. I was in for 2 days. A robe, slippers, chap stick, toothbrush, tooth paste, baby powder, hairbrush and someone to stay with you!

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

No

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 excited but scared. When the day arrived, I couldn't believe that it was here!

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

I got tired and hungry at odd times. Keep food in the house that you can have. I was very sensitive to noise and movement.

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

Ten miles, hasn't affected my care at all.

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.

The first ten days was liquids only, then I saw my nutritionist and was told to eat soft moist foods. Absolutely no carbs including veggies, fruit and starches. I see her again at the six week mark and I'll let you know.

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

The first few days, walking was an effort. I did go to a museum exhibit about a week out, when I got home, I had to sit down for a while and went to bed early. Other days were shopping, I would be tired when I got home but not enough to nap.

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

Std adult multivitamin, calcium (Tums Extra Strength), B12 & Iron.

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?

Hives from the meds, I'm not sure if they were from when I had them before surgery or if they were caused by the medication.

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

Getting the glue from the bandages off of my belly!

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

There is a monthly support group meeting. I'm going to go as often as I can. I think it is very important.

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

Mine are small! One inch for four of them and 1/2 inch for 2!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight stood still for a couple of days but I started dropping down again as soon as I started "going to the bathroom."

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No