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

The first time I heard of the Bariatric surgery, I remember saying that I would never subject myself to being hacked up just to lose weight because of a world where people are to believe they have to look a certain way. Well, I was a hundred pounds lighter, younger and with no health problems. Young and very nieve to the story that would shape into my life. Then after 6 years and becoming ill from one reason to another, I finally decided to research about it. I found that it wasn't what I had initially thought it was, and I prayed about it and researched some more. I found that it was a real solution to a real problem I was having and up until then no medication or couseling could accomplish for me. So, I went to my family physician and he set up the consultation for me. I have yet to regret making that decision.

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

The insurange was a hassle to be honest. I found out from my insurance provider all that I needed to get this surgery approved. I wrote everything down, went to my family physician, and he set up all the testing I was required to have. I had to be referred to a kidney doctor, a cardiologist, a phychiatrist and lots of blood and X-ry work. Then, you have to have each physician fax the information to the bariatric center to have on file and to the insurance approval committee. Well, throughout the next 3 months, I had to go back to doctors and get them to recopy each file and refax them to the insurance because they "lost" or "didn't receive" the files or comments from the doctors.. Oh, and you definately need a weight history for the past five years for the insurance. It must be stated in doctors notes and comments about your treatments for five years. If you have all of these files, make several copies of each. This way, when they tell you they have never received the faxes or files, you have them to resend.

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

This is a million questions time. Seriously, meeting him for the first time is scary. But I was quickly calmed by his very open, funny personality. My surgeon was Dr. Michael Adolph, best surgeon in the whole world in my opinion. He went beyond his duty to make me feel comfortable. He answered not only my questions, but questions my family and friends had as well. He explained everything thoroughly and completely, being totally honest about everything. This meeting was a very positive one for me. I made up my mind then and there that I wanted it for me, for my family and for my life. I told my husband and family then that this is for me. I left there feeling confident, happy and hopeful for the very first time in my whole entire life. I felt like I had a future! Praise God, there is a real, true hope for me!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The first initial consultation with Dr. Adolph. He made up my mind for me, so to speak. When I went in that building, I had every intention of finding all the down sides of this surgery. But when I walked back out that door, I found no reason NOT to have the surgery. Of course, you realize there are complications that can go wrong with every surgery, but there were too many plus reasons for doing it..and my pluses outweighed- so to speak - then the minuses.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, being in Groveport, Ohio, the only proceedure that they do is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass exclusion. So that was not an option. I would have chosen this way anyhow, because it is permanent. I was afraid and have heard about staples rupturing and other things with banding. My decision was relatively easy. :)

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?

To be honest, I am very spiritual. I do not have any fear of complications. I do not think that anything will go wrong. As long as I do as instructed, I will not dwell on any problems. But I am on alert to anything that may not feel right. I have everything they told me in the back of my mind should any flags start waving. Before the surgery, I did have the thoughts of the possibility of not waking up. My husband and I had a nice discussion on how I wanted things to be, and the possibility that this may be 'good-bye'. I honestly can say, though, that I did not have any fear at all the morning of my surgery. I was very calm. I knew God was watching over me and I knew I was in great hands. I had all the confidence in the world in all of them. I also had the peace and comfort to know that God would not bring it to me if He wouldn't see me through it. I believe I would tell anyone facing this surgery to have confidence and the peace at knowing that these people are truly professional. They will do everything in their power to keep you alive. I have great faith, and pray will help, too.

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 friends and family were absolutely wonderful. My church family is a major part of my life and everyone was totally behind me. Everyone wished me the very best, offered their hand to help me out, prayed for me, comforted me, encouraged me and seen me through from beginning to the end. I was in awe and very moved by their love and support. I had half of my church family there in the Bariatric hospital with me that morning. They were there for ME. I am still moved to tears when I recall how much everyone has supported me. I am very blessed to have such people in my life!

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

I am a housewife, but I do a lot of work for my church. I am the secretary and I do a lot of mailings for the church and for my pastor. I also do the weekly prayer list, prayer chain and Sunday morning bulletins. I have a lot of responsibilities that I had to make sure did not suffer because of my decision. My Pastor (Al Salas) was totally behind me. He offered me any help I would need to get things done. He even asked people within the congregation to step in and do the work for me so that I would not have to worry over it. But I managed to get everything done! I did two Sunday bulletins in advance and I did the prayer chain and prayer list before hand also. I only had to do updates and that was done by my wonderful sister. She was a major help in my recovery, as was my mother and husband.

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

My stay in the hospital was remarkable. I have never been to a medical facility where they care so very much about how comfortable you are. They truly cared about how I felt, if I hurt, if I needed anything. I was truly moved by their display of courtesy and compassion towards me..and others I talked with and witnessed for myself. I will never forget how sweet and kind and loving each and every one of nurses and staff members were to me. Words can not discribe what it meant to me and my family and friends. I went in on May 9, a Thursday and came home on May 12, Sunday afternoon - Mother's day. I believe it is important to remember your contact lenses case, Bi-pap equipment, and medication. I took houseslipprs, but believe me, you won't need them.

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

I had no complications. I had to have a hernia fixed, which was no trouble. I also had to have a liver biopsy. It seems that my liver was enlarged (as most heavy people's are) and I had a spot on it. Dr. Adolph took a biopsy of it just to be on the safe side. It turned out fine. Nothing to worry about.

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 releaved! FINALLY!!! I was very anxious and wanting to get it over with and move on! I spent a lot of time with paper work trying to make sure insurance and the Bariatric center had all that they needed to make this happen. The day I got my call, I just started saying "Yes!! Praise God!! Oh, Thank you, Jesus!!" I have waited for this for a very long time, and my moment finally arrived!! I coped with my anxiety by typing on my computer, cleaning and talking to friends and family. I was more then ready!

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

Well, my mother stayed with me during the first week non-stop. She felt it necessary to be here with me so that I didn't hurt myself or I needed something. She helped me with my bandages and my dressing. It was very embarassing, too, because she had to help me when I went to the bathroom. It hurt to put my arm behind me and clean up, so my mother did this for me. Very embarassing for me, but very caring and nurturing of her to do this for me. I am so thankful to her. She helped me with my recipes and my walking. She was a wonderful coach. I think the hardest part about the first few weeks was the getting used to the new way of eating. The first 2 stages, (liquids) is just aweful! You start to feel better and wish you could have ANYTHING but another liquid!! If you can get past this, you will be OK. Everything else kinda was a breeze for me.

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

I live about 55-60 miles away from where I had the surgery. I had the surgery in Groveport, Ohio, and I live North of there. It was pretty smooth traveling. My husbands' uncle drove me from the hospital and on my two post-operation appointments, too. It was very easy to get back and forth.

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 not have sugar, which really did not bother me. The only sugar thing I missed was an ice cold Pepsi. (mmmm) But other then that, my wants as far as the wrong thing are really minimal. After 7 weeks, I can not tolerate bread at all; whether toasted or fresh. Breads of no kind. I can not tolerate lettuce from salads either. I do not like to eat pasta, either. I can drink my juices and water very well without problem, but learning to not drink with my meal was very hard for me. I still have to make myself drink first or way after. Believe me, if you drink when you are eating, you know you are doing wrong right away. I can still tolerate everything I began with; although I am sick of chicken all ready. I just started soft foods, so I am learning more on tuna and ham and egg substitute. I can not handle the Alba any longr. For some reason it turns my stomach just smelling it. Go figure. Wet cornflakes is awesome! I drink lots of water and juices. Skim milk is becoming a favorite drink of mine, too!

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

First week was difficult for me because before I was released from the hospital my left knee went out. I was in a lot of pain from that, and it made it very painful to do my walking in a couple weeks to follow. I learned that when I took my pain pill, I would walk first, then rest and try again in about an hour. I always got my walking in and it really increased as time went by. Week 7 and I am walking throughout entire shopping malls without tiring. I still sweat a lot from doing it, but I am not having to rest like before. That is a big improvement in itself.

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

I am still on my pre-natal chewable vitamin, once a day. I take it every morning. I have to get started on a calcium supplement this week, so that I will begin at the beginning of next 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?

Well, 7 weeks into this and to be honest, I haven't had any side effect yet. I don't like the feeling my stomach gets when I eat bread or lettuce. It really is uncomfortable. I just avoid eating bread and lettuce. I wait a week and I try them again. I will get there one of these days. :)

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

My personal worst part is still not being able to sleep on my stomach! (My favorite position!) It still makes me feel uncomfortable, so I don't do it. I still attempt to, just to try it and always and up back on my side. One day, though. One day.

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

The only support I have is family, and they have been wonderful for me. My church family and my best friend Tina have been absolutely wonderful for me.

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

The scar is good, I am getting feeling back slowly. It is even looking like it is very small in some places as if it was fading. I was expecting it to be longer to be honest, and it wasn't.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus so far. I am only 2 months into the surgery and I am still losing weight. It is still pretty constant.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, I am getting more and more compliments from those around me that say they can tell I am losing, which feels really good! I feel more active and excited about it and it is totally different then what I am used to.