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

Read about also had a friend who had it done . My insurance book had a paragraph saying that it covered this procedure if you qualified. I did so after seeing my mother who herself is very obesited I looked into it.

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

No problems . My insurance book had a paragraph in it about who and how you would quailfy and I knew that I met them when I first read it.

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

My first appt. took 2 months to get. The surgeon was right up front about how much you were expected to pay before surgery, up front about what he expected from you after the surgery, up front about his recorded on deaths from the surgery . He answered all questions that were given to him, he does not give you answers that you want to hear but what is reality. He was and still is great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My family history of illness and obesity. I knew that I was headed down a one-way street to a heart attack,stoke ,or even an early death if I did not have it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor advised me on which one to have . I am very happy about his decision.

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 would be lying if I said that I was scared to death. I tried not to think of what might happen. I prayed about it and had alot of friends and relatives praying for me . I put my life in Gods hands.

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?

I told my family and friends as soon as I had my appointment made. Everybody was very supportive and still are. Yes, some were very concerned but still supported me.

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

They never said to much. As long as the insurance okayed it then they were okay with it. I was out of work about 3 1/2weeks. They would have liked for me to be back sooner but thats just because their sales were down while I was gone.

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

The hospital itself was great. They told me before surgery to bring up a support person to help with my needs because they are short staffed. I did, my daughters were there to help. I had my surgery on Wednesday and came home on Friday. Things to bring - a toothbrush, shampoo & creme rinse,a good pair of slippers

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

I had no complications - thank goodness!!

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 have been very lucky. When I first wwent back to work the first few weeks I would get tired after about 6 hours but I'm pretty much back to normal. I have had no anxiety.

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

I'm very lucky my family is very supportive. My husband had me up and doing . Walking, walking and more walking. Know one has put any expectations on me except myself.

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

I drove myself 90 miles to home 5 days after surgery. Four days after I went with my family to view the Hunley in Charleston SC. I took it slow but sure. The following weekend we drove about 4 1/2 hours to Valdosta Ga to the amusement park. I didn't get to ride the rides but I sure walked alot , yes this did wear me out but a day on the couch made it all better. The 3rd weekend we drove about 7 hours up to Bristol speedway to the Nascar races. We walked more. I feel that because I got out and did all this that I got a head start in the right direction. Walking really has helped in everyway.

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

Pretty good. If I over did it one day I would try to take it easy the next.It's been 7 weeks and I fell great.

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

1 multi 3 calicum 500mg amd 500mg b-12 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 only dumped once at the very beginning and that was because I did not puree it and I also tried to eat it to fast.

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

Right out of surgery I hurt for a few hours , other then that it's been great.

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

The only non-family support that I have is this web-site which is great.

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

I had a lap so I have little scars which are no problem at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About 3 weeks out I stalled at 24 lbs for about a week but since then I had no problems.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No