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

A long time family friend had it done and had lost most of her weight when I had finally saw her. I asked information about the surgery and knew this was for me. That was in 1996 and it took me 8 years to finally get it done.

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

The first two times I applied issurance denied me because of an exclusion in the policy explicitely excluding any surgery for weight loss. By the time I finally was able to get it I was on disability and on Medicaid. I was finally approved when my health was so far gone that I have co-morbid problems that cannot be reversed. Keep fighting for your right to a better, more healthy life.

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

Dr. Dana Lindsay was very informative. She showed all the different types of weight loss surgeries on charts and explained what each one does and does not accomplish. You both decide which one is right for you, then she goes in great lenght and detail to explain all she would do. She tells all the risks envolved and her oppinion concerning you prior health issues and any complictions that can come up. She answers any question very simply, and straight forward. She makes sure you and your family are keenly aware of you life style changes you are making and are ready to except the journey ahead. Make a list of questions to ask your surgeon, and don't hesitate to ask about their experience in this area. The success and mortality rate too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was the right choice for me because of the battle of weight I have had all my life was killing me. My health was failing rapidly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon and I discussed this and I wanted a permanent solution, or permanent tool to help me keep this weight off. So I would lose quickly in the beginning then taper off after that and continue to lose. My surgeon and I felt with all the co-morbid problems this would be the best solution for me.

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 was dying anyway. I researched the surgery and check all the pros ad cons about it. I was not living any kind of quality of life before surgery. I was merely existing and taking up space. Being a spectator not a participator. In constant pain and depression with health issues to be concerned about on a daily basis. Doctor and pharmasist visits on a weekly basis. No energy to do anything but sit in a chair all day.

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 very supportive and knew this was the only way to save my life.

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

I was not working at the time of surgery, I was on complete disability by then.

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

I don't remember too much of the hospital stay. I was out for 11 hours after surgery. I couldn't wake up from the anestetic. I was there for 2 1/2 days. I ran a fever the first night and was given tylenol and then I was fine, no problems after that.

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

No complications at all. The only thing is she couldn't get to my gallblader to remove it.

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 elated, and anxious at the same time. I wasn't scared or anything about death. Just concerned about the pain level after surgery and the nausia I had heard about. It wasn't too bad, I actually didn't take all pain medication because I don't like taking things like that (vicoden), too addictive. I have complete faith in God and know He is in complete control. The outcome was His plan not mine or my surgeons.

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

Pain getting in and out of bed that was it. I also liked to sleep on one side mostly, nooooooooooo couldn't do that for quite sometime,I had to sleep on my back. I felt good otherwise. You can experience fatigue and need frequent naps, but that tapers off after a while.

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

2 hours, she makes provisions for her patients who travel. If you are running late she sees you when you get there.

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.

I'm two months out now. I still require mostly soft foods. I have trouble with meat, so I try to get my protein with cottage cheese, beans,protein bars/drinks...etc. It will get better in time, like now I can eat salad, where as before when I tried it I got sick. You have to listen to your body and do what it tells you. It doesn't last forever, so tolerate a little inconvince for the first few months.

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

mild activity for the first few weeks. Back to normal within the first month. No lifting or pulling and no abb workouts, just walking and hand weights untill two months out.

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

Carb-wise protein bars nestles-sugar free chocolate carnation instant breakfast drink centrim chewables (rugrats)

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 havent' experience anything other than the vomiting. My surgeon wanted me to try new foods and see what happens. If I get sick 2 or 3 times eating something I know my pouch wont tolerate it. It doesn't like pasta or rice of any kind. My starch of choice will now be potatos, corn, or peas. For hair loss she said they have done studies on patients and found out they have a zinc defisioncy(spelling?). So I have taken a zinc suppliment for 7 weeks now and my hair is actually thicker than before surgery.

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

Head hunger, smelling food and not eating it. You have to change for thinking about food. This surgery will definately help with that process. How to occupy your time when your no longer able to graze all day.

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

obesityhelp.com is very important. I also have a small group of friends who have had this surgery.

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

I had it done laporscopic. I have 6 port sites. One exactly above my belly button (1/2"), one on my lower right side, one directly under my left brest and two under my right brest. The largest port site is to the left of the center of my stomach, about 3 inches. This is the area the pouch is located and where most of the work is done during the surgery. I was shown prior to surgery what it would look like so I expected it. The scaring is minimal compaired to open procedures.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on one now,my surgeon said your body will go into a faze of wondering what the heck in going on and try to hold on to any fuel. After the shock wears off it will continue to work properly and the weight loss will continue if you stick to your part of the plan. She also said there will be times you will need to go back to the "basic", which simply means your beginners meal plan for a few days to get your body losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I get alot of encouragement and support. I also have been getting looks from others who don't know me,but have seen me in the stores like the local wal-mart or mall. If they ask I'm proud to tell then what is going on.