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

Iread about it about 10 years ago and wanted it then, but no insurance would cover it. I finally got it right ! I love it, I always loved it. People that have a problem accepting it must not understand it. Diets dont work... Duh....... no brainer.

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

I got on line and found out all I could about the surgery and when I got my packet from my Dr. I filled it out to where I looked like I would die without surgery. I suggest you talk to your Dr. and get the input from them, they know what it takes to get approved.

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

Ask all the questions you have. Iwent to a seminar where the procedure was outlined in a video presentation and we had 3 post op patients there to tell us about thier experiences, and it was great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My insurance covered it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I wanted the by pass, it works and you feel good. It was the only proceedure I wanted.

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 didnt have any fears, i was only worried about my pouch being small enough. I wanted a very small pouch.

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?

Most people know my history with weight problems and they took it all in stride. The ones that needed educating, I sent them literature to read up on it. Everyone was supportive to me. I was hell bent on doing this and everyone knew they couldnt change my mind, and so they just hoped it worked.

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

My work was very excited for me. By the time by surgery date came along they were glad to get me gone, I was driving them crazy with my count down to thin. They visited me in the hospital and were 100% supportive and now they are so proud of me. Iwas out for 2 weeks. I went back half days for the 3rd week then back to normal. It wasnt hard at all.

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

This was very important to me. I had a friend that had the surgery 8 years before and she bought me 2 weeks of food, and it made it so easy for me to know what to eat. That is the hardest part to me, at first you dont know what to do, it helps to have a support partner that has been through it. Talk to your Dr and they can hook you up with someone that wants to help you.

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

I had to go 100 miles. It isnt bad, considering I would have gone further to have this Dr. He is great. There are closer Dr.s but I wanted to go to Dr. Barzune. I go every month to my appointment and support group meetings. There is a group of us that car pool and we make an afternoon of it. I look forward to it each month, it is a special time for me to nurture me.I am glad it is 2 hours away.

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 was the hardest - i had a hard time eating things. Now it is 6 months later, and I can eat what I want but sweets and high fat foods make me sick. I dont drink soda anymore and no suger at all. i feel better when I dont eat junk food. Eat chicken, and fish, and when you get sick of it, eat what you want, get sick and you will WANT to go back to chicken.

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

Dr. Barzune has an excellent support program. We have a group meeting every month where we have speakers that talk about all things important to us post op. We have a clothing exchange and several groups break out and meet afterwards also. Dr. B. is always there and very supportive. I love the support groups and all the things I learn from others and the speakers.

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

My scar is about the width of kite string. It runs from my breast bone to my navel. It doesnt look bad at all, and in time it will be hardly noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any yet.. i did only lose 10 pounds last month, but Dr. B said that is normal to slow down after 100 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people that know me are thrilled, some a little jealous. Men look at me now and flirt, It is very nice.