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

I heard from people that had friends that had the surgery.

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

When the insurance girl at my doctor's office finally sent it off the approval was quick.

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

My doctor was very informative and up front with the risk. He told me this was not to be skinney but for better health

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I saw the girl one year post op and how wonderful she looked.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I searched the internet and every peice of material I could find.Then I chose who I believe is the best doctor.

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 did have fears. I knew the possible side effects. I prayed about having the surgery and I placed my self in the hands of God. I prayed while on the table before being put to sleep and told God that I accepted His healing even before the doctor began to cut. I believed I WAS Healed. From that time forward I had no problems. I knew my doctor was also a Christain.

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,son,mother,and siblings were very supportive. My husband said he loved me no matter what size I was and believe me he has seen me every size. My entire family has been very supportive pos-op and are very proud of me.

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

I was self employed. I went back to work 7 days later working 5 hours as a retail tire sales person.

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

My stay was wonderful @ UAB. I was there 3 days. Important things to bring are slippers and a robe. I knew the need to ambulate, cough, and deep breathe.

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

I had no complications.

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 felt great except at dinner time. We ate out alot and it was difficult finding foods I could eat and not eating too much. I used a small bread plate so I knew how much I was eating. I got tire waiting for my husband and child to finish eating. I ate off my husbands's plate most of the time. The greatest anxiety was thinking of what it was costing for me to eat so little. So by eating off his plate relieved that anxiety.

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

I was so pumped and so ready to be smaller. I was up and atom. I would walk and do whatever it took looking down the road ahead kept me going

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

I was only 30 miles at the time of surgery but since have moved 75 miles. It is a little more difficult now.

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.

The first two weeks I ate pureed food. Whatever I fixed for the family I just pureed for me. It looked horrible, but it looked and tasted the same. Chicken was the hardest food it took me to eat. Hamburger meat was the easiest to digest. I miss some of the food but I feel we don't only have the surgery we have to have a total mind set. Some people live to eat I would rather be small than to have some of the food that I can'thave anymore. I love being smaller. I still think of myself as fat sometimes I'll walk by a mirror and take a second look to see who is there with me.

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

I walked 45 minutes a day and as the days went on my energy level went up.

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

Flintsone vitamins

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 only had nausia if I ate too many carbs. It has help my sleep I no longer have sleep apnea. About 3 months after my surgery I lost some hair, but my hair was super thick anyway so I didn't miss it much. As you learn how and what you can eat these things go away. I looked at what I ate that might have caused the dumping or nausea and did not do it anymore.

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

Waiting for a surgery date and insurance approval.

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

I have not been to a support group. I leave 75 miles away and my husband doesn't like for me to drive at night by myself.

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

I have six small scars, which maybe only 3 or 4 are visible.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Lot of people do not recognize me. Some appear to be a little jealous