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

Attended an orientation session at Lafayette General Medical Center in October 2007 where I met Dr. Gachassin and his team.

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

Lisa took care of all the details and fights with the insurance company.

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

I came loaded with questions which he answered fully and with humor. I did my research and was able to ask the specific questions as they pertained to my situation.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I need the tools to make the life-changing decision. Dr. G and the surgery provided my with those tools.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Easy, the most drastic was what I needed.

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?

Dying or living with morbid obesity the rest of my life. Not seeing my daughter graduate. Not seeing my grandchildren. Not being able to continue teaching. All those fears made me have 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?

They were surprised since I kept the decision to myself until I had made the final arrangements. I did not want anyone talking me out of it. They were extremely supportive of me throughout my journey.

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

I had the surgery during the summer while I was out of school so I did not miss work.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Mrs. Rose Landry helped me to make the final decision. She's a school prinicipal, talks the talk and walks the walk. She's a straight shooter and I knew if she could do it, I could too.

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

LGMC is the best. I was there 3 days. Bring a sense of humor and determination.

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

After two years, yes. I had an internal hermia and Dr. G and Dr. Eschete fixed it. Scary but I knew I would be alright the minute I saw their faces.

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 had no anxiety. I continue to attend the information seminars, to speak to the team, and Dr. G. All my questions were answered.

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

It was rough going. Trying to train your brain to do what your body needs was especially difficult but I survived.

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

I had it done in the same city I live. About 4 miles from my home.

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.

No sugar passes these lips except naturally occuring in fruits. It took about one year for me to get to a point where I could eat just about anything healthy without worry. I have taste testers who check for hidden sugars. I kept a food journal, an exercise journal, and basically recorded things as they went. Writing about the events helped to keep me sane and in control.

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

Slow at first but now I exercise at a gym several times a week.

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

Calcium, a multi-vitamin, iron and B12.

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 stuck to his regime and had very few events. Except for the watermelon episode, I was fine.

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

At first the pain and not seeing immediate results. But after the first 6 months, the results were definately happening.

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

Monthly support group meetings. These sessions are extremely productive. If not for one session, my recent trip to the ER would not have been successful. Lisa's Powerpoint presentation of the possible hernia gave me the information I needed to know what was happening to me in August and it saved my life.

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

I know have about ten puncture sites left and right side of my belly. That's it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost 150lbs and am down to a BMI of 22.5. That's an amazing journey in two years.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. Now when I go into a clothing store to look at dresses I don't get the stares. Instead I am treated with respect especially when I can spend $100 on a simple dress in a size 4.