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

Can't remember where I first heard about it - had heard of 'stapling stomachs' YEARS ago - had a friend who did it and it didn't work - not sure why. At first I thought it was too 'drastic'...but then realized that I needed to take drastic measures!

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

I had absolutely no problems with insurance. My doctor's office called me within 30 minutes of faxing my info to the insurance company to tell me I was approved. I only paid about $200 out of pocket for all 5 visits.

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

My first visit was a group visit - about 20 folks interested in the surgery. I think you get the most out of it by taking a list of every possible question you can think of and asking them! My doctor, Dr. Karl Byrne, at Medical Univ. of South Carolina, was very upfront and honest and thorough.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being fat and dealing with the problems that fat people have. Mostly wanted to LIVE a long time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It seemed to me that LAP RNY was the most common and it is the procedure that my doctor does - he was recommended to me by Dr. Harvey Sugarman - an expert in this field.

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 wasn't too fearful - which is ironic since I did almost die! But, I've always been strong and fairly healthy. I'd tell people to find out what the risks are and to understand what treatments are available for complications. I was told that infection was the most common risk, but I didn't realize that infection could be so serious and that the treatment was so lengthy and complicated.

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 friends were completely supportive - only one friend tried to talk me out of it - because of the risks. I was amazed at the support I received and continue to receive. Many folks have told me they are PROUD of me for doing this.

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

My supervisor was supportive, but told me to be aware of the risks. As for what I told MOST folks at work - I just said I was having surgery. I should have been out of work for about 3 weeks, but due to complications, was out 12 weeks.

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

The folks at MUSC were great - especially the nurses. I was hospitalized for 3 nights after my LAP RNY....bring your toothbrush - everything you need is provided.

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

YES! I had 4 major abcesses due to an undetectable leak in my surgical site...had to have them all drained and had to take massive doses of antibiotics - was hospitalized a total of 5 times - 27 days in all. I dealt with it by doing what my doctor told me to do...and with LOTS Of prayer!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Most of my anxiety came from having to WAIT. I just prayed and trusted in GOD that all would be ok - which it eventually was!

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

My first few weeks home were NOT typical so I can't help with this one.

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

I had a 4 hr. drive to Charleston, S.C. and it greatly affected my afercare since I had to be hospitalized 5 times. I spent most of the time in the hospital TOTALLY alone...my husband had to stay home and take care of our kids and it was really far for friends to come..though one friend did come and spend a night with me and my husband managed to come spend about 4 of the 27 nights I was in hospital. THe drive back and forth was really hard - my mom was a real trooper and took me back and forth most times.

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.

Once I was out of danger from the infections - I started out with 6 tiny meals a day - careful to eat protein first - chicken was easiest for me - then veggies...no sugar or bread or pasta for 1st 4 months. I'm a little over 4 months now and pretty much do 4 meals a day - 9 a.m., 1 p.m., something around 4 p.m., supper about 6 or 7 pm and then maybe a snack. I eat cheese, most meats, fish, veggies and fruits...have been able to add salads the past month..have had ONE cookie the whole time...it was ok! I think I lost faster while eating 6 small meals and may go back to that if my weight continues to slow down....I only lost 9 lbs last month...but I should expect a slower loss.

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

Again, my experience wasn't typical - but at 4 mos. out my activity and energy is so much better than before surgery....I'm going to the YMCA a few times a week - walking at lunch - and doing stuff at home I haven't done in years.

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

I've been a bad girl - rarely take them - try to take actigal because my gall bladder bothers me if I don't. I'm interested to see how my blood chemistry is at my 6 month check up to see if I really need the vitamins...my doctor doesn't bypass any intestines and I eat really healthy foods.

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 was VERY nauseated but that was mostly because of hte massive infection...haven't dumped - but am losing hair now - started about 3 months and still losing but I have LOTS of hair and no one else can tell...hope that slows and stops soon.

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

Don't do one - talk to a few girls I know who had it done from time to time - talk to my mom, sisters and friends.

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

I had LAP so no big scar - should have had 7 tiny scars, but due to the abcesses being drained have 12 tiny scars! THey have turned dark - which I belive is a GOOD sign - you can't feel them - hope they'll fade.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I plateaud aroudn 3 months - only lost about 4 lbs during 3 weeks but then dropped 9 lbs the next 4 weeks. It seems from what I've read that your weight loss can fluctuate a lot after the initial 'honeymoon' of losing 20 lbs per month...at 4 mos. now, I've lost 79 lbs....which I think is pretty good.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men, mostly - I've had to get used to 'leers' again - which I basically ignore. Hubby is more attentive! I think people tend to ignore fat people - esp. women, so people 'notice' me more...Get tons of compliments and questions.