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

A friend and coworker knew someone that had it done. She had her talk to me and than I found this website and started my research.

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

I did not have to deal with the insurance company. My doctors staff handled it all for me. It was wonderful!

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

My first visit with Dr. Mitchel was great. He came in with a smile and asked me if I understood the procedure. Before being seen by him, he requires for the patient to go to one of his sessions. These sessions explains everything about the procedure. He made me feel important and that I was a human being asking for help. HELP!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery because of my health. I was out sick alot and going to work had become unbearable at times.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have RYN because it had the best results.

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?

Of course like any other surgery I knew the risks of having this one. And I was sscared. I looked at it this way: I can have this surgery and maybe die or maybe everything will come out good. OR I can live several more years overweight, sick all the time, and maybe when I am going up a flight of stairs I just might have a heart attack and die! Or who knows I might get hit by a car. Either way I was going to die one way or another. Soooo....why not die trying to have a better life? I have told other people I would do it agian in a heart beat!!!!

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 family and husband were very worried for me. My father did not want me to do it. He tried to convince me that a good diet would help. I told him it didn't help in 32 years. That I had to do it.My family and friends were very supportive. I love them so much.

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

My supervisor supported me all the way. She knew it was the best choice due to my health. Which was interfering with my work. She helped me get my paperwork ready for the surgery. I was only out for 2 weeks.

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

My stay at the hospital was good. The staff were very nice and caring. I went into surgery on a Monday and was discharged on Thursday evening. Have a BIG comfortable gown and some soft slippers. I took my own toothbrush, hairbrush, and magazines to read. Most important of all take all the faith that you've got and you will be okay.

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

I had no complications at all from surgery. Everything went well at the hospital and once I was home.

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 did have some discomfort at the incision with de drainage. Other than that I was only bored of ENSURE PLUS. I was ready for some textures in my mouth!!!! As I felt the weight off all the anxiety left me.

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

Sleeping was still uncomfortable because of the drainage. It had to stay in for two weeks. The moment the doctor took it out I felt great! Do expect to feel tired. LOTS OF WALKING!!! You will be surprised how great it will make you feel.

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

I only live about 15 minutes away from the hospital and my doctor. It is very convenient.

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.

Do not hate me. But until now I am able to eat everything! The only time I had a bad time is when I had some carrots that I did not chew correctly and had to throw up. My doctor gave me a piece of paper that let me know when to try certain foods after so many weeks. That helped alot.

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

At first I felt tired alot but the more I walked the better I felt. I did alot of walking.

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

I am taking 2 flinstone multivitamins, 2 tums for calcium and 1 b-12 tablet every day. I have forgotten to take them due to my crazy schedule. DO NOT FORGET! I felt very drained out for several days until my vitamins started kicking in again.

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 nausea right after surgery. Until the drainage was taken out, sleeping was not very uncomfortable. I am experiencing some hair loss but you can't tell due to I have alot of thick hair. Thank you Lord!

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

For me the worst part of the surgery was having to drink Ensure Plus for a couple of weeks.

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

Dr. Mitchel has a monthly support group meeting. I have only attended one but I have someone that calls me regularly to check on me and keeps me up to date on things. In these meeting there are certain doctors that gives information as the weight goes down. Last meeting we had a plastic surgeon talk to us and explained how to do alot of things like how to get your insurance to cover some of the surgeries. I t helps also because patients that have had there surgeries a while back are able to help us out with any questions.

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

My surgery was done laproscopic. I have 5 little scars. With time I won't be able to see them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only weigh myself at least every two to four weeks. I average about 2 pounds a week. I really havn't been able to see any plateus since I do not weigh myself very often.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh, Yeah! I am down to 221 pounds now I have lost about 70 pounds. People I have not seen for awhile can not beleive it is me. It feels really good when they compliment you.