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

I found out about it years ago. I was very SCARED of it that is why it took me several years to make my decision. As I was decieding about it I was gaing more and more weight.

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

Well I have double coverage. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medical. I did not have any trouble because my health and my condition was very poor.

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

Dr. Baker and staff is WONDERFUL. At first I did not care for the bedside manners strictly business. But now I understand why. They want to make sure you are READY for a life time change!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Scared of dieing OR being totally helpless.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Baker did this. It was the 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 was scared of the pain and the IV LOL. I am a big baby and I can tell you the pain is not that bad at all just a little sore.

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?

A lot of friends and family members did not want me to have this operation. They said it wont work, you might die, you might have complications, etc... I explained it like this to them ALL. I am doing this for me! I am tired of being tired, being in pain, being grumpy, and living my life as a fat person. If I do not do something NOW I will be in a wheelchair before 40 or perhaps die. Yes NOW I have AL the support :)

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

N/A

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

I loved my stay at Baptist in LR. Ar. I was there 4 days BECAUSE I did not have a BM or pass gas. I slept most of the time or walked. Ok, this sounds funny but a wooden spoon and wipes. I was super sore so I used these things to help with clean up so I never had to ask for help in the bathroom :) Trust me it works!

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

Nope, not a one :) I have been BLESSED!

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 of pain. I prayed about it and the lord took care of me. Have faith!

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

I was fine. You MUST drink and eat even if you do not eat all the 2 tablespoons. I was never hungry. I would say the hardest thing for me was drinking but you MUST. I was just sore laughing, coughing, and bending down.

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

I traveled 1 1/2 hours. After I was released for the hospital I went to Target and walked around the store for about 1 1/2 hours :)

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.

I will work on this answer later. I have followed EVERYTHING Dr. Baker has in his pamphlet and I can tolerate EVERYTHING so far.

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

I was able to walk over 45 min. a day. I am up to 1 1/2 miles a day + now.

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

prescribed multi vitamin and caltrate + D for now. I also drink ISOPURE protein drink it have NO carbs, NO sugar, and has 50 grams of protein in it :)

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?

NONE :)

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

Humm, I really don't know. Oh, yes I do trying to NOT lift things, NO house work, NO nothing. It is to hard for me cause I am a clean freak and I am a busy body.

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

No really after care. I do belong to a support group and yes it is very important and I just love them. http://groups.msn.com/WeightLossSurgerySupportAR

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

It is looking good :) It is pretty small and scar? there won't be much of one THANK YOU DR. Baker :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, I had surgery on June 30 2003 and I have lost 61 pounds as of today 8-20=03

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just saying how good I look.