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

A friend/co-worker told me about the bariatric commercial she saw in summer 2000. I (we) started our research from that day. My (our) research included the Internet, medical professionals, BTC patients, and medical programs on Discover/Discover Health channels.

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

BTC in Ypsilanti Michigan handled everything for me. I was approved in 1 week. I was very surprise, but overly happy because I was on my way to a very comfortable me.

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

My visit with Dr. Brian Lane was very informational. He answered all my questions. No kidding, he was with me for 90 minutes. He was very patient and I didn't feel rush. He made me feel like he came in to work that day just for me. I never met a doctor who made me feel that good during an office visit. I was very pleased with him and the staff at the Ypsilanti Michigan location. I would recommend him to any/everyone.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After my consultation with Dr. Brian Lane, I pretty much decided to go forward. I was doing this surgery for me...no one else.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After talking with Dr. Brian Lane and others who had the surgery, I decided that the RNY would be best for 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 didn't think about complications or dying. With every surgery there is a chance you might have complications and/or die. By know this, I always put my life/faith in the LORD HANDS because I know HE WILL SEE ME THROUGH ANYTHING THAT COMES MY WAY.

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?

In the beginning I only told two people about my decision (my twin and a friend). After my consultation with Dr. Brian Lane, I told my husband, son, two additional sisters and one brother. My husband is very supportive now. But, in the beginning he wasn't because he felt that I didn't try hard enough to get the weight off myself. It took me two weeks to get him to agree to visit the websites and watch some of the programs with me on the Discovery/Discovery Health Channels. After reading/seeing/hearing more about the surgery, he came around and started understanding why/how I came to my final decision. My son, sisters, brothers and two friends were very supportive from the beginning. Now, they call me whenever there is a program on about the surgery or if they want me to talk to someone about my experience.

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

None of my co-workers know of my decision. They notice the weight loss and compliment me almost daily about how great I look.

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

My stay was wonderful. I was in the hospital for 3-days.

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

No complications.

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 wonderful.

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

I felt helpless for two weeks. Not being able to do anything for myself. In my household, I'm my husband/son nurse when they get sick. But, during this time they were my nurses and taking care of my needs. My twin came over everyday after work to help me w/my shower.

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

24.7 Miles (30 minutes). It was worth every mile and every minute. This did not interfere with my aftercare in any way.

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.

After my six-weeks post-op, I re-introduce baked chicken breast, salads and soups into my diet. And I gradually added, lean & turkey meats, vegetables, fruits, sugar free candies/snacks and Mrs. Smith (NO SUGAR ADDED) Apple Pie. Let's not forget Crystal Light. Everyone in my household loves Crystal Light Lemonade/Pink Lemonade. The candies, snacks and pie are items I don't eat daily.

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

Right after surgery, my activity level was very low. I had to push myself to walk thirty-minutes everyday for the first two-weeks. I worked my way up to walking at least one-mile on the treadmill by my eight-week post-op. Today (nine-months post-op), my activity level is the highest it's every been and it feels good and I love every moment.

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

Vitamins: 2 Bug Bunny Chewables Vitamins (daily) Extra Protein: Isopure (40) Protein Drink (twice weekly) Calcuim: 4 Tums (daily)

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 had no side effects.

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

No bad experience to report.

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

BTC Support Group in Detroit, Michigan and my family.

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

It's not bad. It did keyloid a little but not bad at all. I make sure I apply Nadinola Cocoa Butter to my scar three-times-a-day.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau's yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES...YES...YES... The people who know about me having the surgery compliment me every time they see me. They make me feel good and I love them dearly for their support. The people who don't know about me having the surgery are surprised by my weight loss. My former manager and co-workers were surprise when they saw me over the Christmas Holiday. They complimented me so much to the point I thought I was MS THING. They said I look like a totally different person. HEY...HEY...HEY...Gina is not complaining. My current co-workers say I'm getting to small for my height...WHATEVER HATERS. Currently in 5'9 and I'm weight 208#...my goal weight is between 170# and 180#. Therefore, I have another 28#-38#'s to lose.