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

My cousin had something like it done 15 years ago and she almost died. Then an old friend from school had it done about 4 years ago and he said it was the best thing he ever did. I knew that if I got approved for it then I was gonna have it done.

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

Well it was pretty easy once the claims were sent to the right place. At first it took about 8weeks but we found out that the claim had been sent to the wrong place. Once it got to where it was supose to go I got approved in 24hours. I have known others though that have had to fight every step of th eway. They suggest writing a personal letter to the insurance company and telling them just way you want and need the surgery in your own words.

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

The first meeting at my hospital is done in two parts. The first is a group setting were we all meet and the surgery is explained and questions are asked & answered. Then we go back one at atime and meet with the doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I prayed that I would only be approved by my insurance if it was God's will and if I would not get sick or have any problems. So once I was approved I knew I would be ok and that God would take care of everything else.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well sweets was always my biggest problem so I knew if I wanted to really solve my problem then I had to have the bypass. But the surgeon I chose only does one type of surgery and that is a combination of both VBG/RNY. I have the stapling, the ring, and the bypass.

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 had no fears because I knew that my God was in control.

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?

At first my parents and my husband were very against it because they had only heard the bad things that could happened. My sister who is also my best freind was very supportive. She didn't want me to have to have it done but she never tried to talk me out of it. However once I began to loss and everyone saw that it was not bad, everyone is so happy for me. They see how much better my quality of life is and they love it when people notice.

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

Everyone from my bosses to my coworkers were very supportive. They are all thrilled that I have suceeded in my journey.

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

My hospital stay was pretty much like any other hospital stay. The staff was great and very attentive to my needs and wants. I was only in from Tuesday- Friday. Something to keep you busy.

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

Absolutlly none.

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 felt great and excited. I had no anxiety.

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

The first week was the worst only because I was unable to ly in bed so I slept in a chair or supported by tons of pillows. Plus I was so bloated still that I felt full all the time and I was so afraid of over eating that I had a hard time making myself eat. I was also thristy ALL the time, but water was the only thing that tasted good to me.

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

I only had o be about 40min from home.

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 5 weeks I was on only soft foods. Soups, canned meats, yogurt, lots of scrambled eggs, just things like that. Red meats and breads were off limits for first year. At first I would get a craving for something but once I had it it may not have tasted the same way that it did before the surgery. As the months went by I pretty much ate what I wanted just smaller amounts and cooked in healthier ways.

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

I had to remind myself that I had just had major surgery and not to over do it, because I felt great.

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

Iron and B-12 supplements daily, along with amulti vitamin.

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?

My only side effect was hair loss at about 4-6 months. Once I increased my protien levels and my B-12 amounts then it stopped.

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

The pain the first day and the long hospital stay.

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

The baratric center where I had my surgery has a support group meeting several different nights a month. They are very helpful. It is encouraging to go and see/talk to others who have gone through the same things as we are and also to see the sucess of those who are far out.

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

My scar is a little bigger than most because of the scar tissue I had from 3 c-sections. But it is pretty faded now at only 9 months out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 9 months out, down 112# and I just now reached my first plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very much so. Now that I'm thin I never have a problem getting hgelp with something. At the grocery store I have strangers who offer to help with my groceries or with heavy items I bought.