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

I heard about it on tv. I thought it sounded to good to be true. It seemed like the answer to my prayers... but I was afraid I would not qualify for the surgery... then I found out you had to be atleast 100lbs over weight to qualify... I qualified alright... :)

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

At first I had Blue Cross Blue Shield with Wal-Mart (my husband worked there) and they refused to pay for the surgery when Dr. Champion (ATLANTA) tried to get me approved. Later I changed insurance, it was still BCBS but it was not through Wal-Mart. My coverage specifically spelled out that it would NOT pay for this type of surgery (even if it was medically necessary). However, my new Dr.(Dr.DeWitt) somehow convinced them to cover it. So, if you can learn nothing from me, learn this, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

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

My first visit I was nervous and I wasn't very hopeful because I had been turned down by my insurance company prior to this visit. Dr. DeWitt was very friendly and personable and put me at ease right away. He said he could handle the insurance company and not to worry about a thing. (AND HE WAS RIGHT) I think it is important to write down a list of questions to ask before you get to the doctor's office. It can be intimidating, so have your questions ready and don't be afraid to ask him how many times he has done the surgery and his success and failure rates... I also asked about complications that HIS patience had experienced and if he had lost anyone from this surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

For me, it was a last resort. I could see myself getting bigger and bigger and weaker and weaker. I knew if I didn't do it now I would be dead before I was 40. I am soooo glad I had this done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spoke to two different surgeons and they both said the Lap RNY was my best choice for weight reduction in the long term.

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?

It is major surgery... and there will be some pain and difficulties. I was afraid, I would recommend that you think about what could happen if something goes wrong. I had a will drawn up to take care of my 13yo daughter in case I died. But I had to weigh the possibility of death with the reality that if I didn't do something I was definately going to die. I would do it all over again if I had to... but this is a personal choice that the individual must make.

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 whole family and all of my friends were thrilled that I was going to have this done... I got tons of support. My mother stayed with me the whole time I was in the hospital and even ran all my errands when I came home... she was great. I don't know what I would have done without her.. My 13yo daughter, who never wants to do anything, was incredible. She was my nurse when I came home. She really took care of me and I will never forget it. I really felt loved and cared for.

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

My employer had known for a long time that I was trying to have this done. She is the one who offered me Company Insurance (for free)to try and get them to pay for it. She was thrilled for me. And she told me to take as much time off as I needed to recuperate. I was out for 3 weeks and she paid me my full pay the entire time. She even came to the hospital the morning of my surgery and sat with my mother.

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

I went in early Friday morning for surgery and came home Sunday afternoon. I think the most important thing I brought with me was my mother. She was really great. She kept me company and kept my spirits up while I was in the hospital.

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

I stopped breathing on the table and they had to put me on a respirator. But otherwise everything went smooth. I was taken off the respirator that same afternoon... it hurt a bit but I was fine.

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 was both exhilirated and terrified at the same time. I had my will made out so my child would be taken care of, in case I didn't make it. That eased my anxiety some. I tried to stay positive and think ahead to when I would be losing weight and feeling better.

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

At first I was very sore... mine was done Laproscopically so my recovery was easier. It mainly felt like I had been bruised up in a car wreck. I was given Loritab 10 so I wasn't feeling much discomfort... :) I had no appetite for the first 2 weeks then little by little I could eat a little more or something solid.

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

I was lucky. My doctor's office was only about 10 miles from my home and the hospital was only about 15 miles from my home. This made my aftercare easier just because it was more 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.

It has only been one month since my surgery... I can eat half a piece of dry toast, almost a whole egg (sunny-side up in pam), a slice of cheese, about 3 tbsp. of spaghetti sauce (without noodles), and sugar free hot chocolate. Now, each of those items makes a whole meal for me right now. I am trying to eat some protein... but for now I can't tolerate it. :(

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

At first I wasn't able to get around very well... but now I'm doing much better... I have lost 33 lbs and can walk much better than before my surgery.

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

I am taking 2 Flintstones chewables per day... its my candy now.

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 had some vomiting when I eat to fast or try meat and can't tolerate it but its not too bad. I would hate to lose my hair!! I cope cause I have to... no choice. Just try not to make the same mistake twice.

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

Probably when they took the drainage tube out... that really hurt... or right after the surgery you feel dehydrated and extremely thirsty but your liquids are restricted for 24 hours... that was hard for me.

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

I have been checking the internet for groups and reading other people's stories for support and insights. I found this site and have chatted with some of the members and have really enjoyed it. I think its very important to be able to talk to people who can relate to what you are going through.

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

I only have 5 or 6 tiny little marks and they are not bad at all... its much better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has only been one month for me, so I have not hit one yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really... people were pretty nice to me before. People do seem interested in what I can eat and how I feel.