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

I heard of it thru a friend. I was all for it right from the start. I was desperate for something to help me.

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

I was one of the lucky ones, I didn't have any trouble with my insurance. From the time I filled out the papers and sent them to my Dr. I only had to wait 2 weeks and it was approved. I didn't realize there were so many insurances that weren't covering it until I went to the Dr. the first time.

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

My visit was great. I met him on Wednesday and had my surgery on Thursday. No waiting for me. Write down any and all questions you think of. Don't worry aabout them being stupid either. Remember it is your body and your life that is going to change, don't be afraid to ask anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There wasn't much to decide. I was ready for anything. I had reached 256 pounds.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Again at the time of my surgery I didn't know there were so many different surgeries out there to help with my weight. A friend had this one done and it was the only one I checked into. I have so happy to think that there was finally something that would help that I jumped in with both feet.

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 really didn't have to many fears. I have had surgery before and I just wasn't scared. I was to jazzed up over the fact that finally I could lose weight. And to tell you the truth I was to the point if I couldn't lose weight I didn'tcare if I did die.

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 has been great. He asked lots of questions of everyone involved with my surgery. He went to my orientation with me. He is still my biggest supporter. My kids have been great too. For the first month my daughter called me all the way from GA everyday to see what I ahd eaten and to see if I was taking care of myself. I didnt'much care what friends had to say. I didn't feel like it was any of their business. If they couldn't support me then leave me alone. I was just so ready for something like this that I don't think anyone could have talked me out of it. I had one friend that had the surgery back in DEc and she was a big help.

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

I lost my job over it but it is worth it. I can always get another job.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. I was in St Marks in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were just amazing. Everyone was incredible. I haven't seen a staff that caring in a very long time. Be sure and bring some type of lip balm. I would have been in trouble without mine.

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

None whatsoever

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

The first 6 weeks were rough. I got depressed but it didnt' last long.I talked on the phone with Kim alot and she was a big help. My advise to everyone would be to be sure and have someone to talk to that has been thru this. I think this website is the best thing around. I wish I would have known about before my surgery and right after my surgery. I am sure enjoying it now.

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

I did real well physically. It wasnt' long before I was back on my feet. But then I got tired real easy. That didn't pass until after my 2 months had passed. I think people should expect a whole roller coaster of emotions during this period. I know it was really rough for me. One minute you are excited about the weight lose and then the next you are so mad because you can't eat. Be sure and eat slow very slow at first.

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

It was a 7 hour drive for me. That makes it a little hard. Not to bad tho. All I have to do is pick up the phone and call the Drs. office and they were more than willing to answer any and all questions gforme

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 month I couldn't eat much of anything. I drank a lot of V8 juice and broth. My taste completely changed. I don't like yogurt so I didn't eat that. At almost 3 months it is better now. I still can't eat meat. Maybe a little chicken adn shrimp but not much of that. I love vegies so that helps. I can eat all of them now.

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

Not to good. I got tired real eazy. I had to learn to do a little a time.

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

I take one a day vitamins. I had a hard time finding one I could tolerate, and I take citracal.

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?

I guess I would have to say the nausia was the worse. My sleeping is better then it has been in years. I don't have the dumping or hair loss. I don't throw up hardly ever. I am really careful tho. If I take a bite of something and I don't think it is going to stay down I quit. I don't try to force it.

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

Not eating. I was a foodaholic. I still miss food sometimes.

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

We just started a support group here and I can't tell you how important it is. You have so many questions. You go thru so many emotions. It helps to have someone to talk to. I had a very good friend to help me. I couldn't have done it without someone to talk to and someone to listen/

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

My scar runs from between my breasts to my belly button. It is still pretty red but I don't think it looks bad at all. It looks better than I thought it would.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There have been some plateaus since my surgery adn it is very depressing. When you can't eat any more then I am and then to get on the scales and see nothing happening it is heartbreaking. But it doesn't or didn't last long and now I am losing again. It has happened to me twice already. One thing about it you can't change your mind and go off your diet when you do get depressed. haha

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet