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

My GYN told me about it and I thought NO WAY! I'm not going to let some surgern cut on me. But, I did a lot of research on it and did go for a consult. I then changed my mind. I was tired of being told that I might not see 40 and I was also tired of not feeling good. I want to be healthy and see my kids grow up and grow old with my husband.

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

I really didn't have a problem with my insurance, once they got my info. The lady at the doctors office finally call my insurance and then faxed over the info ( after they never received the first set of info). Three days later I was approved. I guess I would have to tell you to be persistant with both the insurance company and the doctors office.

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

My first visit they made me watch a video on the surgery and it told what to expect. Very informative. Then I met my surgeon and he answered all my questions and told me things I didn't even know to ask about. I was very impressed. I would tell you to write any questions down before you go and see your surgeon. Just in case you were to forget something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery because I want to be healthy and to be around for my family. I want to feel good and not to hurt all the time. This seems to be the only way for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't decide, my doctor told me which one. He did ask me if I wanted Lap or Open and then we found out that the hospital My insurance will allow me to go to doesn't have the equipment for Lap. So Open is is.

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 thoughts about dying after having this surgery, heck I even have had nightmares. But I just give it all to the Lord and know that he will take care of me. I look at it this way, I will probably die from being obese and never to have lived life so why not do something about it and have the surgery to actually LIVE life to its fullest and be healthy. I don't want to live in pain for the remainder of my life. THAT'S not living!

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 husband has been behind me all the way. He loves me no matter what but wants me to be healthy. My kids are excited that I will be able to do more things with them like jump on the trampoline, ride bikes etc. My parents were a little apprehensive. After I let them read some research I had on this surgery and after they talked with others they knew ( which they didn't even know had the surgery until they told them that I was going to have it) they have been behind me 100% ever since. My brother and siter in-law thinks it's a great thing and all of my in-laws are very supportive. I have been very blessed. I tell everyone about the surgery and have not had any negative feedback. I will have surgery on April 18, 2002 and then I'll let you know if they are still being supportive.

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

My hospital stay was good as long as the people who took me to have test left me alone. The day after surgery I had to go have an upper GI done to test for leaks. Well, they were having trouble getting my bed through the door (because of the ridge in the doorway) so they shoved real hard and my bed rammed into the counter. Needless to say I screamed. That's when I learned that it hurt to cry. They were very appologetic. Also they broke the bed and tried to put that same bed back into my room. They finally found me another bed that worked. The nurses were GREAT and so were the people who took my blood and vitals. I was in the hospital for 5 days and it took them 5 1/2 hours to release me after my surgeon had already signed the release. That was very frustrating. Things to bring would be a toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, house slippers, robe, and anything else you might need.

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

I really had no complications other than a fever for a couple of days and they said that was to be expected with surgery. I was very blessed.

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 mixed emotions. I felt excited but then very scared. What really helped me was looking at all the before and after photos and all the wonderful people here that give great support.

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

My first few weeks I was very sore but not to the point that it was intolerable. It was to be expected. I had a hard time wiping after going to the bathromm, so Kenneth did it for me. He is a WONDERFUL husband. If you can get an easy lift chair for when you get home from the hospital, it would really help. It's hard to get up from a chair after surgery because the stomach muscles have been cut. Make sure you walk every 20 to 30 minutes. The more you walk the faster and easier your recovery will be.

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

I only had to travel for 30 to 40 minutes. It was no problem.

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.

When I first got home after surgery I was on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. Then Dr. Hannon put me on a full liquid diet for 4 weeks and then I went to a soft diet for a week. At 6 weeks I was able to start a regular diet. But I found out that my stomach did not like meats at first. Still there are days that I can't tolerate meats. Cheese goes down very well and so does Wendy's chili. I have thrown up twice and I hate that. The first thing that made me throw up was a grilled chicken flatbread from McDonalds. I only ate the meat and 1/4 th of it at that. I was soooooooooooo sick. I had diarrea at the same time. MISERABLE! The second time I had eaten roast beef. I thought that it might be the cooked onions, but I'm not sure. I try and stay away from breads, rice, potatoes etc........ Starches. I do eat them sometimes, but protein comes first.

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

I had a lot more energy about 3 weeks after surgery. I am a lot more active. I do water aerobics 3 to 4 days a week. I walk and ride my stationary bike when I can. I went tubing on vacation and rode rides at Dollywood and was able to walk the entire day. It's been GREAT!

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

I take 1 adult chewable multi vitamin a day. 1 B12 and 3 chewable calcium citrate 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 am losing my hair now. It started at 3 months post-op and was told it would slow down at 6 months. And in a year I should get it all back. I joke about it and tell my husband that I am either going to need a wig soon or I need to save my hair and glue it back. LOL!

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

The wait for insurance approvel and the wait for surgery.

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

Every 2nd Thursday of the month we have a support group meeting. I try to never miss one because it is so helpful and encouraging. I have learned so much from the meetings and we have a clothing exchange too.

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

My scar is 15 inches long and it looks good. Well, as far as scars go. LOL! I think it will shrink the more weight I lose. I kind of knew what it would look like because I had a c-section with my second child.