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

I have heard about it on the radio--tv.. that stuff, but a co-worker had it done.. I watched her for over a year, and started planning my journey-- changed my insurance and researched all I could on line.

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

I checked when I was covered with an HMO-- it did not cover any kind of WLS. I changed to a PPO as soon as I could. When I was sure I was on the new insurance, the wonderful people at Obesity Surgery Specialist, here in Houston took care of all the rest! I love them.

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

the first 'visit' was a group of people he lectured to. it was very informative. my husband came and learned all I would be going through. then I met with him privately right before the surgery--- and felt totally confident in him from then on.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

when I saw what an exciting change my friend went through! I wanted the same change

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew if i was going to go under a knife--so to speak, I needed to make it permanent. to me, the RYGBP was as permanent as it gets! I needed something that I knew I could not 'get around'. I would be the type to sit and eat sweets, shakes,,, all day-- something had to stop 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 have never been scared of dying.. I was not that scared of the complications... knew about them all... but I followed everything to the t! I would tell other people it would be smart to have some fear-- otherwise they would not do what they were suppose to....

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 was kinda excited for me... friends thought I was not big enough.... i was only 37.5 BMI-- but I had bad high blood pressure, and was on depression drugs... so I qualified.. That is really what I had the most trouble with emotionally--- thinking I was not as big as some, so why am I going to the extremes..was I just being vain?... but it boiled down to -this- I was too big-- stayed too big... my body was telling me so.... so I fixed it... my family and friends are nothing but happy for me now,

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

They were and are a little jealous. My big boss kinda acted funny to me for taking the time for a 'such a personal thing'-- i did not care. I was only out two weeks!

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

I stayed overnight. they were angels! you just need to bring you!--- a toothbrush helps... change of underwear--- that stuff....

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

no!!!

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 did get anxious.. I talked to my friend that had it done, and the clinic I used has a great staff- they were a wonderful help!

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

OK--- It hurt!-- I had the pain ball... but it still hurts! I did everything I was supposed to..walked as much as i could...didnt push it, but i did walk.... just slow--- I felt bored alot-- which made me want to eat all the time...so i sipped all the time............ i loved chicken broth!--- and thank God for the sugarfree popsicles! but that did get tiring!! I felt like a baby learning how and what to eat all over again. That is what I needed... my tastes were different! my smelling was different! i loved eggs!--- just one!! but i loved it! then there was potatoes! i loved potatoes!

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

i travelled about 45 min away... not too far

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 could and can not eat or drink any thing with more than 8-9 grams of sugar... i might be able to just barely taste it now... but that is it! I could not tolerate any milk products-- except cheese... wierd huh! the greasy stuff,, like fried chicken i could not eat unless the skin is peeled off... now i can do it a little better-- in small portions. i had to and still have to be very careful with meat-- chicken, pork... beef.... my hardest lesson is to chew chew chew!!!!!!! i still have to remind myself to chew chew chew!!!

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

i was slow... i had to keep reminding myself --"i just had major surgery-- and that always takes at least 6 weeks to get over!"--- after that... i got real tired.... just tired... so i upped my iron, and made sure i wasnt over doing anything (food wise) and got better-- now i sleep so good!--- and play so hard!

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

1 IRON, 1 MULTI VITAMIN (CHEWABLE), 1 CALCIUM EVERY DAY, AND 2500 MIL B12 EACH WEEK,

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 dumped a couple of times.. that is not pleasant,,, and it just has to pass... but he worse thing was when I did not eat slow enough-- and chew chew chew! that hurts so bad!!!! that part still happens if I am not careful... i simply have to eat slow....

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

i guess the pain-- but like having a child... you soon forget the pain... from all that you gain...or should I say.... loose!

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

I guess I am bad with that.. my support is here - with my friends... I find them very important!--- and this web site has been very very helpful!

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

almost gone!-- can barely see them-- 5 little marks... I wish my c section was so small!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I would and still do some... lose 2-3 lbs real quick... then I would sit sometimes a week or two until I would drop a few more.... if my activity got higher, the weight would fall quicker..... now-- 1 year later... I only loose a pound sometimes...and have actually gained 4 once.... but they went away-- with an extra one real quick.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes-- i do... the men are very much more attentive!!! i find it hard not to respond to that. my husband doesnt pay nearly enough attention to me-- i really need it... but he just says he is proud, but doesnt seem to be anymore attracted to me. friends are jealous, sometimes, but mostly they are excited for me!