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

I first heard about it in the news about Carnie Wilson. Then I had a good friend from High School that took the plunge. He did great and was an inspiration.

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

I had no problems getting my insurance approved. I was approved on first try. It just took time getting everything together to send in for approval.

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

My first visit with my Dr. was very informative and confirmed that this was what I wanted to do. My husband went with me and asked all the questions that he had. The best thing you can do is research, research, research. Then you will know what questions to ask the surgeon when you go see him. Every Dr. does things differently and it is best to find out how your Dr. does things.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What made me finally decide to have the surgery is that my quality of life had diminished due to my weight. I could barely walk. I did not go anywhere. I stayed at home all the time, in hiding. I did not like to go out in public, people would stare and I would hear awful remarks. Finally I decided it was not fair to my husband. I was not a good wife to him. It was not fair to him to be denied all the wonderful things in this world because of my weight and fears.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research and had several friends that had the procedure done. I did alot of pryaing before my decision too.

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 had a big fear of forming blood clots. But, my Dr. did everything possible to prevent this from happening. I would tell others that have the same fears, that you just have to put your trust in God. That he is in control. He will help you and guide you through this. I also look at it as if I did not do this, then how long would I live and what qualtiy of life I would have left.

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 very supportive. My husband was also behind me 100%. I could not have asked for more help or support after surgery from my friends and family.

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

My employer was great. He reacted very positive and was very supportive. My boss worked with me in every way. I just went into his office and told him my descision. I was out of work about 3 weeks, then came back and worked until I was tired. I was part time for a week or two, then back to normal!

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

My hospital stay was great. I was in the hospital for 7 days because I had open RNY. One thing I did not take and had to send my husband out was for one of those heat pack things. I had a bad time with my shoulder after surgery. And the heating pads they had I did not like, so my husband went out and got some of those mobile heat pack things. They were great. Otherwise, you will need your normal toiletires.

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

I have had no complications after surgery. So far so good!

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 think everyone goes through a roller coaster of emotions. I mean this is a hugh adjustment. Life as you know it will never be the same! At first I was just drained and tired. Then, I would easily get upset over things. I remember just wanting to cry when it was time to eat. Because you did not know how your food was going to settle, if you were going to get sick, etc. I know I questioned myself several times...What have I done to myself?!?!??? But as you heal, things get better, you will have a whole attitide adjustment. The way I coped with things was through my faith in God. I kept telling my self...This too shall pass. I knew He was with me through this. My husband, family and friends were there too.

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

Expect to be tired. During the first few weeks I was drained. It was like I woke up feeling good, but at a certain time everyday my energy would just dissapear. I was emotional some too. I depeneded on food to make me feel good and that was taken away from me.

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

It was only across town, about 5 miles.

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 am 18 months out so my memory is not so good. I do remember that at first I had problems with real dry foods, chicken for example. I had to dip it in fat free ranch or something like that. To this day, I can not eat broccoli. Also, from time to time, eggs bother me. It is strange. It may be 2 hours after I eat the darn thing and I get sick as a dog. Now, I can eat anything. I have a good tolerance to sugar, which I wish I did not have. Very few things bother me.

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

At first is was slow, becasue I had open RNY. In the weeks to follow I was very drained and tired. The least little things wore me out. Then like magic, I was zipping around with more energy than ever. I just feel so much better.

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

I take a Food Lion multi vitamin with iron once a day. I also take a B-12 shot once a month and I take viactive calcium chews twice 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 did have some hair loss, but it was not too bad. I just changed hair styles. I had very little nausia. Before my surgery I had terrible sleep problems, which got much better after surgery. The vomiting you get used to. You never know what will make you sick at first. It is all trial and error. I remember the first time I vomited, I was scared to death that I would dmamge my stomach. But, I did not and everything was ok. You just have to deal with the vomiting. You have to decide it you are going to just wait and deal with the discomfort or just go throw up and get it over with.

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

The worst part of the entire process was the stupid two week diet just before the surgery. It was just like torture!!!

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

I have a local support group at the hospital where I had surgery. I also have 4 very good friends that have had the surgery. we support each other. We could actually have our own support group. I think the support group meetings are very important. It helps keep you on track and you can also help the newbies with their surgery. I think support group meetings should be mandatory!!

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

I have a hugh scar about 12 inches long from my ribs to the top of my belly button. No, this is not what expected, as I went into surgery hopeing that they could do it laproscopically. But, most of my weight is carried in my stomach area and was to thick for them to do it that way, so I was opened up. Which, I would rather have that done, and have it done right than not have it done at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a big plateau about 6 months out. But it was all my fault. You know when you first have this surgery, you eat until you are full trying to get all the protein in you need. About 6 months out your stomach gets bigger. I kept eating until I was full. I did not follow my pouch rules correctly. So for about 3 months I lost no weight. Once I started exercising I lost some more weight, then I stated applying my pouch rules correctly, exercising more and really watching what I ate, then I started loosing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think people do treat me differntly, but I think it is because I act differently. I don't cower and hide from people. I have more confidence in myself. I feel better about myself. So, I say it is because I have changed, not them.