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

I had a great primeary care physiion who told me if i didnt do something now about my weight i would not be alive at 40. I also knew it wouldnt be easy for me because i did weigh so much. After meeting with my angel who was from the same place i decided to have my surgery at she helped me over come the initial questions about it.

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

My husband had only had our insurance for about 4 months when i decided to go for the surgery. Then when i had my first meeting i found out that i would have to have all kinds of tests and most importantly counceling. Then in January of they decided to change the company of our insurance and so i had to get reapproved. i was already apporved but since they when with a different state in the same company they approved me again. I finally after all of the counceling and waiting i had my surgery on May 9th 2006.

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

I met Dr. Cleveland on a Thursday and i was so excited that he wanted to help me. He was kina rude but thats because he sees so many people in such a short period of time. He has became a good friend now. I would say to the people who are going in for the first time ask as many questions as you can. They are there for you to ask question and they want to answer them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that i couldnt tie my shoes or stand up with out breathing so hard that i felt like i was going to pass out. I remember about 3 months before my surgery i was going to a dinner at my church. I had to weight in such a long line that i almost did pass out. I aslo had lost my twin brother and gained so much weight because i was so broken inside. I can honestly say now that i have been completely healed from the inside out. I give that created to My Lord Jesus for helping me have such a great experiance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well there really was no question i need the Roune- Y

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 knew there were risks with the surgery for me i was ok with taking such a big chance. I need a new way of life that didnt involve food like my life did before. For me my fears came because of my husband and my grandparents. it took me 3 months before i went in to the initial meeting to convence him that i needed to do this for me and for our marriage. My grandparents were two faced to me about having the surgery they now like the results of having the surgery, but they will never be ok with me having the surgery.

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 closest friends were fine with me having the surgery because they knew i need to do something about my weight because it was out of controle. My family that i live near by were ok with it, but they really never told me what they were thinking because they viewed it as it was mine and My husbands thing. Now they love the fact i have a life now and that i will beable to get a job. If i could communicate something differet it would to involve my in-laws more. They have been such a blessing to me through the whole thing.

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

I actually was not working and i am still not working so its ok.

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

My stay was great with the neruses, but i did have a problem with the assistant that took my blood pressure and other vital signs. I was in the hospital for two nights i got to leave on Thrusday after my surgery was that Tuesday. But i was not in alot of pain. I would deffently make sure you have a pair of comfortable pants that do not put pressure on your body and i put my night gown on over them so i could stay warm.

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

The most common complication in having this surgery is with an open wound. I did have that and then four months after surgery i found out that i had fat deposits on my liver that really have to just run its corse.

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 found out i was going in for pre-op classes and then i found out at that point that my surgery would be less than two weeks away. I was still going to couceling and i thought it would be months and it wasnt so i had to take a chil pill because i was so excited that i knew my life was going to change.

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

Everyone must know to do what the doctor says. Also if you did not come home with an open wound then make sure if you start leeking or if you feel that something is wrong then call your center. They are there to help dont think you can do it on your own. They know more than you.

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

i didnt have to travel far.

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.

Well in pre-op they give you a manual on what foods and consistancy they want you to eat them. The first week is clear liquids, The second week is still liquids but you can chicken noodle soup. The Third and Fourth weeks were puree foods. These foods are there so you can start building up your diet. Then the second month is soft foods. Do not try grilled stuff during this period. i have made a choice not to eat breads or suger filled foods. Do expect your taests to change. Now i will not eat eggs or fish because i pureed and scabled them for so long right after surgery.

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

About a month after surgery i wanted to start getting out. I was not on a program yet but even now i am not either. I want to join a gym.

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

You must continue to take your vitamins for the rest of your life. get in the habbit of taking them now. i took Flenstones Chewables, b- supplement, and if you feel yourself getting sick start taking Air born it helps. i also take a Biaton supplament for my Hair.

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 nausaea right after surgery, i could not stand to smell food cook it was horrable. as my food changed then the vomiting happend and is still happening. I also had hair lose from not eating enough protine. i coped by expecting it to happen.

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

There are not worst parts. The things that happened in surgery or after are to help you remember that this is a tool and you use the tool to your advantage and to help you mantane the weight lose.

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

I attend a monthly meeting. It is where i learn what to do for myself. I also get to hear other stories of people and how they have changed after there surgery. This to me is the most impportant group i will ever be apart of because of my surgery. EVERYONE WHO does the gastric by pass should offer a support group. so that they can draw from each other.

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

yes my scars are fine. They are what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have not had any yet, but they are coming.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.