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

My pain counselor discussed it with me. I basically thought that it was a cop-out for people who couldn't or didn't want to diet! I had a very negative attitude until I went to one of the informational seminars! Wow were my eyes ever opened!

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

Dr. Deveney's office did all the work. I would just say NEVER give up - keep trying to jump the hoops that you have to - eventually it pays off!

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

It was a pleasant stay (what I remember of it). I was grateful that the hosptial provided a cot for my daughter to stay on. She was vital in making sure that the care I was getting was up to par. She was also an important part of letting the nurses know that I was having troubles with over medication. The important thing to bring really is decent bathrobe that buttons up the front so that you can get it on carefully. Other than that, I can't think of a thing.

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

Had problems breathing on my own...thankfully my daughter was there to bring it to the attention of the nurses. I would say that was the most important part of having someone there - because I was so out of it that I couldn't take care of myself. I'm drug sensitive, and really needed her to watch out on my behalf.

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 a nervous wreck. Coping with the anxiety was hard...until I went to a local support group where I could talk to live people. OBesityhelp.com was also a lifesaver!

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

I was pretty much being cared for by both of my daughters. I needed the additional help and support for about two weeks, then was fine on my own. I also really appreciated the ablitity to talk to the Doctors staff when I had questions. It's important to be able to talk to professional help if you have quesitons and hopefully all the doctors have this open phone policy so that patients can call when the questions arise.

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

We traveled from Eugene to Portland - and it was well worth the 2 -3 hours!

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 really followed the directions that were given. I had a struggle with the protien drinks, so that didn't go well for me. I also couldn't eat or drink anyting with chicken or chicken broth in it (and I still can't). I think that it was a very gradual advancement as I started eating and experienmenting with various foods. It took about 6 months before I could eat most of what I eat now. My focus is really with fruits and vegetables - and my best bet is tuna and tender shredded beef, when it comes to protien. I am so lucky that I can eat salads. My favorite food for protien is probably legumes. The real key is to eat slow and chew your food very well!

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

The first week I didn't do anything up watch television with an occasional short walk through the house. At about two weeks I was feeling much stronger and went for short walks out of the house and by four and six weeks I was living basically a normal post surgery life. By 8 and 9 weeks I was much more active than I had been in years!

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

I drink Kirkland Vitawater (which gives 150% of your daily B vitamins and E. I suppliment with Calcium, and a Multivitamin. I probably should have taken additional iron tabs after the surgery, but I didn't. Vitamins are hard for me to remember to take.

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

Just ObesityHelp.com and my personal blog. I see a pain counselor who also helps me to deal with the "identity crisis" that I have had since my face has changed so much...now that is something I didn't think I would have to deal with....but I look so different than I looked before - and it's taken a great deal of processing to see the wrinkles and lose skin that I have now. It's a shocker if you dont' spend a little time thinking about it before the surgery.

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

The scars are very light in color after a year. They were pretty red until this past few months. They are small and healed quickly. They don't bother me at all...in fact, I love them...because they represent getting my life back!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm at a plateau right now. I have weighed 200 and bounced back and forth below and over for about three weeks. It's time for me to figure out a way to get more exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Wow, this is a real touchy subject for me. Yes, I do notice how nice everyone is, and how they are much more quickly to talk to me. It offends me. I'm the same person I was, only I look differently. I have to really think that maybe I wasn't as approachable when I was heavier because I had less confidence.....my husband says that I am a friendlier person now. So, maybe it's me that has opened more doors to others now that the weight is gone. Good question.