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

My first informational source for bariatric surgery was the initial TV advertisements by Carnie Wilson. I then went online and did a lot of research about the surgery. We have a tendency to believe only those with money can ever have this surgery. Thank God the insurance companies are listening to our death echos. Believe me when I say they are only echos for they are not our final calls. Although I was very scared due to the tremendous amount of risk, I figured I has been told I was going to die one way or the other. I had to take a chance at possibly prolonging death and living happier and healthier.

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 any problems getting my insurance to approve this surgery. I had everything in proper order. The doctor's office was a help as well. That is something that I would suggest everyone does. Don't depend on your primary care doctor or anyone else to do the job for you. Push to get everything the surgeon's office tells you the insurance company requires. You get it all in order and follow through with the company. Communications is of importance in this matter.

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

I din't like the fact that he took more than one patient in at a time. I like my privacy and felt violated. Do your research prior to meeting the surgeon. This was a must for me. It did speed up the first consultation. It will also allow you to question the Doctor more about his history and success with this surgery. If you have any questions, ask. Remember, communication is a priority.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Would anyone out there like to tell me what else I could have done besides having this surgery? I didn't want to die. I didn't want to continue living the physical miserable life I was living. Again, I had to reach for the hope that I felt in bariatric surgery. When I did that and applied my faith in God, I knew there was a whole new world awaiting me and my family after my return from over weight hell on earth. God is good! Faith without works is did. We have to do our part and this surgery is a tool I had available to me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on my type surgery from the research I conducted. I also depended on God to direct my decisions. Faith without works is dead! After I did my part and prayed, God did his part and answered. My surgeon's suggestions and insistance, along with his knownledge was the icing on the cake. He helped me make the final decision about the proper procedure for me and my personal situation.

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?

Does everyone have fear of dying? Is that or is that not normal? I am truly not afraid to die but I don't want to. My time on earth is precious and I have much more time to spend with family. God also has called me to do His work and I must be in action. So, no fear about death, just fear in an anxious manner toward the pain of surgery. The common concerns about the healing process, dumping syndrome, the unknown possible affects, the possibility of overeating after surgery and something bursting, mode swings and deep depression, not being able to eat after surgery, change, I think is normal for us all. The more informed I have become, the easier it has been to fight any fear from the "unknown" fear factor! Knownledge and commmunication is the best key after and before surgery. Ask anyone who has had this procedure done what they have encountered. That doesn't mean you will go down their path but if something they have had happen to them happens to you, you will be prepared. Knownledge will keep you from lacking!

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 husband and two children were very concerned. They all met with the Doctor and he answered all and any questions. This was helpful for us as a family unit. My sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews were of mixed emotions. Some said no way, I was making a huge mistake. They were convenienced I could loss all my weight without this drastic surgery. Dah, were have they been for the last 44 years of my life. The others who were supportive helped to encourage me. When I would have doubts, their telling me I could do it with God's help, helped! After my surgery, many and almost all were very concerned. I had so many complications, read my journal to know what I went through. maintained a positive and winning attitude. Everyone told me I was doing too much and now I know they were correct. Most everyone was simply scared during the first four months. Now, everyone is so happy to see such a change. Most of my family hasn't seen me in person, just photos over the Internet. I want to make my big finale after my plastic surgery. Now, I will probably hear, I am so glad you did what I told you to from EVERYONE! Yeah right, but who cares! It isn't about that, it is about my being healthy and living so we all can enjoy each other for years to come.

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

This really doesn't apply to me. I have been disabled for years. I did try and go back to work just prior to surgery. Although I wasn't able to continue the job, everyone there was supportive of my weight loss surgery. Matter of fact, the door is open for me at that company when I am healthy enough to return to the work force. Everyone was warned, as I was departing, that a belly dancer may someday shock them. Guess who that will be?

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

I had some of the most wonderful nurses and nursing assistants. We made sure I was up shortly after going to my room. Everyone was very helpful and encouraged me to get going and not just lay around. I was in the hospital for a total of three days. Make sure, if you are a woman and still having your period, to be prepared. Starting my period immediately after surgery shocked me. It wasn't time for that but often such a tramatic experience will bring it on. Be READY! Take the necessities. Bring lots of comfortable clothing and most definitely a robe. You will be in the halls walking around lots and you want to be decent. You are showing your newself off! Pack the essentials for any hospital stay. Take extra of everything just in case your stay is a little longer than you expect.

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

Boy, did I ever. Try getting a staff infection. Then try not healing and busting your staples out, not just once but twice. Try having home health care until your third month home. Oh, don't forget strictures. Yeap, that is when you have scar tissue which has to be opened up. I had that done on three occassions before I could hold down anything. Thank God I found a local Dr. who starting performing this procedure without the travel to Ocala. You will have mood swings. That is a given and you will expect the weight to drop off like you have had an instant miracle. Be patient. This just will not happen. You must get your strength back, start an exercise procedure, follow the nutitional diet given you and don't weigh everytime you go into the restroom. Most importantly, when you don't feel good, let people know. If you really are having issues, call your surgeon. It is better to be safe than sorry. Let others help you through this time. You have just had major, major surgery. Most importantly for me, I trusted in God and kept a positive attitude. I am a survivor and I wasn't going to give 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?

This one will have to be read of my journal on obesity.com. Look up June Blalock and it is all there in detail. I hope it helps someone.

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

You have had major surgery. Don't run a marathon but don't lay around too much either. Don't pick up anything heavy or vaccuum the house. Walk and walk and then when you are tired, rest. Again, read my journal for more on this question.

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

I live approximately one and one half hours away from the hospital and surgeon. It became a problem for traveling this far for after care when I had some problems. After finding someone knowledgeable about the surgery here locally who worked with my surgeon, I did better. Travel will cause you to become tired. If you are sick, this only makes it worse unless you are a determined individual. Otherwise, I loved the drive and looking at the view. Getting out of the house was a miracle so why complain!

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 started out doing well on the protein shakes. Then the stricture stopped that. I lived and still do, off water and Crystal Lite. There are some flavors of Crystal Lite I still can't tolerate. Trial and Error is the key words with this question. Bread is horrible to this day because it swells in our stomachs. Chili, okra and navy beans were some of the first things that I finally held down after about three or more months. Now that I can eat, I just watch my diet. Stay away from the old pattern. Don't eat anything fried unless you plan on spending some time in the restroom afterward. Watch the starches! Go for the protein, yogurt, cereal, light salads, seafood, fresh vegetables that are uncooked and just basically anything that will stay down. I can usually tell after one bite if I can handle the food or not. STOP EATING WHEN YOU ARE FULL! This is so important. We sure don't want to go through a surgery of this nature and gain an ounce back! Discipline. Oh, don't forget the nuts. They really have kept me going.

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

Well, this is another question that needs answered by someone reading my journal. I pushed myself to do everything and I over did. Being tired is part of life and you will not get that big burst of energy until you are healed completely. It will come but be patient. About my fifth month I was on top of the world. Prior to that, to be honest, I felt bad but I got up and pushed myself to the limit.

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

Mental focus was the only vitamin that has stayed down. I only take one a day and sometimes I don't even do that. I need potassium so after trial and ERROR, I get as much in my system by eating the appropriate foods which contain it. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! Remember to get as much protein in as possible. Learn about foods and what they contain in them from the bad to the good.

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?

The strictures I had caused vomiting and sweats along with the bowel dumping. My almost complete hair loss was a vanity issue I still work through. The lack of potassium through me into shock because I became very weak seven months out because of this. After having such energy and then hitting a low energy time is disturbing. You will make it through. Get some potassium into your body one way or the other if this happens to you. You don't want an IV of it because it burns so. Eat those banannas, yogurt, etc. I coped with all these issues believing THIS TOO SHALL PASS! I am a survivor.

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

The strictures and not healing for three months. Also, the problems of not being able to eat caused from the strictures were horrible. You think you have been through your nutritional class and have it together. Wrong, your body just may not cooperate! Be strong for it is now so worth it. If you get any gravings, eat one small bite of it and stop!

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

Obesity.com and people who I have met over the Internet which has had WLS has been my support other than family and friends. This is of GREAT IMPORTANCE. Someone being there, having done that, can be of so much help. Remember, not knowing is losing the battle but knowing is winning it. Identifing yourself and experience with others is so great. Seeing each other's photos as each person changes in appearance is such a blessing. Going through thick and thin with other people, literally, has been my greatest help after God himself.

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

I think it looks horrible but my surgeon says it healed nicely. I would have preferred to have a smaller one in size but if the plastic surgery goes through and this scar goes, who cares. Well truly, who cares anyway! I am alive and doing well. That is so much better than being concerned about a scar. Vanity is just that. Life is great!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Stay off the scales everyday. Try getting on them once a week. Don't be concerned if you don't lose weight for a couple or three weeks. When you least expect it, it will again start to drop off. Yes, we are human and want it fast but be patient. We didn't put it on overnight and no, this surgery doesn't take it off overnight. I have learned to be more concerned with other issues than plateaus. It is natural to be concerned but that is when you call the Dr. Trust his response and you must respond to any instruction given you.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Are you kidding? I see people looking at me, inclusive of great looking men. I have doors opened for me, people smile at me and I am not discriminated against any more. Actually, people are more friendly to me and trust me this is true. I was open and friendly to others before my surgery. Some time I felt like a brick in the wall. Losing weight gains respect from some of our society. Too bad they didn't see who I was before for it is the outward person who has changed, not the inward. Their loss on that one!