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

My cousin's mother-in-law had it done. I didn't know what it was called; I was just told it was, "some kind of operation." I was interested from the beginning. When I saw her wonderful results, I was even more excited.

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

Find out which companies in your area will pay for the proceedure. Talk to your employer about the possibility of using one of these insurers.

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

It was very informative. We watched a video of the process from start to finish, explaining the pre-op instructions, surgery, hospital stay and post-op home recovery. I met Dr. Thoburn, the dietitian and the insurance specialist. I was able to ask them all questions. One of the members of the office staff had had the surgery done and a spoke to her as well. It was a very positive experience. I suggest that you ask any and all questions you have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I tried to exercise to lose weight, but was so heavy that my knees couldn't take the weight of my own body, I knew I had to do something. I thank God that my job (State of Florida) made Blue Cross /Blue Shield an option for its employees. It was an opportunity I couldn't let pass by.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Thoburn pretty much explained that he did one particular proceedure he believed worked best. It sounded fine to 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 afraid of pain after the surgery. Did it hurt? Yep! But everyday, it got better. After 1 week, I knew I would indeed live. After 2 weeks, I was feeling much better. After 3 weeks, I'm feeling good. The thing that made me go through with it although I'm a real chicken when it comes to pain, was another fear. I was even more afraid of what my future life would be like if I didn't have the surgery done.

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 family supported me all the way. I'm single and live alone, but my mom came and stayed with me for 3 weeks. My sister came from the other end of the state for a week as well. The rest of my family (my church family too) and friends, visited, called and prayed for me. I couldn't have made it without their help. I thank God for them.

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

My employer (State of Florida-Dept. of Corrections) gave me ample opportunity to recover after my surgery. My co-workers called, and our employees club sent flowers.

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

My one-week stay in the hospital was very good. North Florida Regional is rated one of the top 100 hospitals in the country. The most important thing to bring is a robe and slippers! Part of my recovery was that I get out of bed and walk! The slippers keep your feet warm on the cold tile floors and the robe keeps the world from seeing your backside!

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

The biggest thing I had to deal with was the pain. But as I said, every day, it got better.

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 nervous but I knew I wanted it done. The days and weeks before seemed to crawl by. On the day of the surgery, I didn;t get really scared until they put me in the hospital robe and put in the I.V. Then it it me- this is really gonna happen! I was really scared then. My family was there though, and the hospital staff was very nice. They also gave me a "chill shot" to calm me down. It did.

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

You will walk and move very slowly. I tired out quickly but remembered to do some walking every day. My doctor insists on a liqid diet for 2 weeks after the surgery. Fruit juice, broth, watery grits or cream of wheat. Yuck! But, I did it.

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

My trip to the hospital took 15 to 20 minutes. No problem.

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 am on a soft diet until the end of post-op week 6. I can have eggs, yogurt, potatoes (not fried), grits, low fat cheese, soup (without meat or veggie pieces),well-cooked beans, peanut butter, sugarless jelly and low fat crackers. NOTHING ELSE! Also, I must drink protein suppliment shakes, take vitamins every day and drink water (50 oz) between meals.

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

I try to walk a significant distance every day. Otherwise, I've spent my time off from work relaxing at home.

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

Flintstones chewables twice a day.

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 have developed tghe tendency to get nausia from time to time. When it happens, I almost always vomit. It usually comes when I least expect it - sometimes I haven't eating anything recently (then it's dry heaves), other times it happens right after I eat. Now I keep Pepto Bismol handy. I have some at home and I have a small bottle in my desk at work. It helps a lot. I have never experienced dumping. My hair is as thick as ever -Iam very careful to eat protein at every meal.

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

1) The first week's pain. 2) Living on liquids.

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

Dr. Thoburn's practice has a support group that I faithfully attended for about a year. I learned a lot and met some nice people.

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

It is about 6 inches long and much darker than the rest of my skin. I hate it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I ahve had several. The best remedy is exercise. You can get past it if you push yourself to exercise more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. My friends and family are very proud of me. The biggest surprise it that people who I haven't seen in a long time don't recognize me. I have to tell them who I am many times.