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

TV commercial while on leave from work due to disability from a auto accident & pregnant. Very interested but feared the open procedure because a single Mom has much to do

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

My surgery was approved immediately. My consultation was 2/13/07 Barix submitted request to insurance 3/2/07, insurance forwarded me a letter of approval dated 3/2/07. Thank You God! Don't give up if you feel the surgery is truely for you and you are ready for the journey!

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

A total pleaseure! Do your research. Know for sure this is what you want to do and know for sure that you are ready for the journey mentally psychologically intellectually physically emotionally.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have been overweight all my life but never morbid. After having my daughter at 39 yrs old the weight gained from carrying and giving birth to a 10 lb 4 oz baby (c section, Thanks Dr. Shawl) I really saw that what I had been gaining from 32 yrs old to that point when we got pregnant was major. I'd begun to feel like I was carrying the weight around. I wanted to feel better. I have never been a person that had a problem with self esteem or self confidence even while overweight until after I had my daughter. I did not like that feeling and refused to live feeling bad about myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I needed something to permanently make me change the way & what I ate. There was no point in having the surgery without having some life long restrictions. As I said previously I knew how to eat to lose weight and have followed that regiment many times but would not stick to it to keep the weight off for good.

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 none! I felt that if this procedure was approved so quickly it is for me to have. Now is my time. My insurance allowed me to go directly to a facility that only specializes in these procedures. How could I/it go wrong. I would say do more research. I had no fears. I was/am READY for this life changing experience. My fears were if I didn't do something I was going to die early. I was lucky not to have all the illnesses that go along with being 5 foot 7 inches 328 pounds.

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?

they were reluctant because they didn't know anything about the surgery. I wouldn't have communicated anything any different. I had done my research and had made my decision. They were/are very supportive before and since my surgery.

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

I just said I have been approved to have weight loss surgery. My supervisor & co workers were/are very happy for me & thought it was a great decision and that I would do well. Many of them feared for my health because of the weight I'd gained. I received a standing ovation when I returned to work after the 6 week recovery.

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

My stay at Barix Clinic in Langhorne, PA was WONDERFUL. I have never been taken care of so completely and totally. My stay was 3 days. Your pillow. Barix had everything else!

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

None

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

Ready willing and able. Thanking God all the while. I had no anxiety I was ready for this.

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

Surgery 7/11/07, I came home 7/13/07. 7/14/07 I had discomfort from gas, got some Gas ex and was good to go. The clear liquid diet was tough because it got boring how much jello & chicken broth can one person consume. Full liquids was better because of the slim fast lo carb shakes & strained soups (note: never strain Minestrone, Yeek!) but then that got boring, puree was better but then that got boring. Horaah for soft foods! HANG IN THERE REGULAR FOOD IS THE NEXT STEP! YOU CAN DO IT!

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

About 40 minutes, not far.

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.

per my surgeon, bread, pasta, potatoes, juice, corn, pizza, etc. all foods are that one step away from sugars. All sweets are off limits. My tolerance has been good as long as I read the label. I was disappointed to know that corn flakes third ingredient was sugar. oh well shredded wheat is tasty.

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

a moderate increase, not sweating so much, not out of breath so quickly. I LOVE THIS!

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

calcium, b1, b12, flinstones, pepcid, urso (I still have my gall bladder)

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 think my hair has thinned a little and I am hoping that is over. I talk to God a lot that's how I cope.

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

I can't say I have a worse part all went well, my recovery has been great. I am so glad I decided to do this and wouldn't change anything or take it back. I would do it again in a heart beat. How I feel & look now would hands down out weigh any problem that would have occurred unless it was death.

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

I have been unable to attend support groups due to the distnce timing of the meeting and I am a single mom. I have a friuend who got the surgery in April and she has been very supportive I have not experienced anything that she has not explained to me before hand. she has shared this journey with me and continues too.

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

I have 6 3/4 inch scars on my stomach and 1 dot from the drain. I thought they would be bigger. It didn't matter I knew what I wanted to do.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do people are more receiptive now. Those that I have to deal with daily I try not to hold it against them