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

I think Al from the Today show was really my first real knowledge about WLS and from then on I have been researching it and trying to find an insurance company that would approve it.

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

I have finally found an insurance company that will hopefully approve it after I complete my 6 month supervised diet program...I pray everyday that I will get my approval by the end of September so I can begin to be healthy for 2008. I got my surgery approval in October after I completed my diet program. I don't think it would have been as easy as it was had it not been for Tameki at Dr. Marvin's office (at OSS). They are remarkable over there!

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

I haven't met with my surgeon yet but I know with his office staff, ask a lot of questions. They don't mind answering them...no matter how dumb we may think they are!! I get to meet him next week, Nov. 7th! I'm so excited.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to live another 40 years...not die at 40.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was never a choice...I knew I wanted the best results and for me it has always been gastric bypass.

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 still have the fear of dying but I am going to die if I don't do something about my weight. So the fear is the same...die from being overweight or from trying to do something about it. It really isn't a "fear", I don't think. It is more like a concern.

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 and mother are very supportive! So are my friends, it just took them a little longer to jump on the wagon!

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

I didn't tell my current employer until I was on my job for about 3 weeks. I was 3 1/2 months into my 6 month diet when I got hired. The initial reaction was NOT good. They still aren't all that supportive, they just tell me that I have to do what I feel I have to. That is okay because I am going to be healthy and living great.

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

My stay at Rennisance Hospital was great! It is located in a rather seedy part of Houston but the care I got there was as good if not better than I would have recieved in the medical center. I was only in the hospital overnight. I had my surgery at 1:00 pm and I was discharged the following day at 12:30 pm. I took a gown but they preferred I keep the one on they give you b/c it is bigger and you won't get dye on your own clothes. They also provided everything else...I really didn't need to bring my own personal items.

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

No complications whatsoever!!

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 so excited I couldn't stand myself! I had a peace about going into this surgery.

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

My first few days were rough. I was sore and my pain medication didn't seem to help me sleep at all. But I had a lot of support to help me in and out of the bed. Make sure there is someone there to help you with the bed...that has been the hardest for me to get back into.

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

I was only about 20 minutes from the hospital.

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.

One word - SUGAR.

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

I walked a lot. I'm excited to begin training with a personal trainer in the next few weeks.

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

Flintstones Chewable 2 x's day B-12 once a week Calcium daily

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 a smooth ride thus far!

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

WAITING!

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

I haven't started going to support groups but I am. I think they will help tremendously in the long run.

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

Scars, what scars? I only have one that is even noticable! Dr. Marvin did a great job!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow and I've been stuck at 30 lbs. for the last week. I think it is because I am back at work and not able to walk as much.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some. My best friend seems a little distant. She had lap band back in July and since I've had my surgery she hasn't been around as much.