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

I heard about it in a "support" group for people who are supersized. Their comments on it were not nice and any attempt to discuss it was looked down on. Which to be honest with you made me investigate it even more. I'm kind of stubborn like that

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

I think that my insurance approval went through quickly. But I know that is not always the case. So my suggestion is to be patient, don't give up and don't be afraid to pursue this with your insurance. It saved my life.

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

My surgeon is very knowledgeable and only does the RNY prceedure. He took the time to answer my questions and is always availible to me for my questions. before you see the Dr get a book called "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies". This book gave me more information and some very good questions to ask the Surgeon. It explains in great detail what you will go through before, during and after surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was heading toward Congestive Heart Failure. At 37 years old I was becoming disabled, unable to walk for any length of distance. I could not breathe well, was tired all the time and had reached a point when I was ready to join in life again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked it over with my Surgeon. But he only does the one type...so the decision was easy 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 afraid of dying during the surgery, due to many health problems arising from being so large. I would tell people that I was not afraid to talk it over with people I trusted and I prayed ALOT!

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 is very supportive as are most of my firends. I lost some "trusted friends" but if they quit being my friend because I had this surgery to save my life....well then were they really friends?

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

I am a SAHW

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

I was in the hospital for 6 days. The staff was wonderful and very supportive. I brought a book(which I never read) and a cuddle bear to hold onto when I coughed.

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

I didn't have any complications to the surgery at all.

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 remember after about two weeks, I called up my Pastor hysterical telling him I made a mistake having the surgery. Because I was afraid to transition to the next food stage. I was tired alot but that passed after about one month. I prayed alot and had some very good freinds who visited me often.

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

I was tired alot and just kinda took it easy. I think that each person must handle it differently because I know some people who were out walking two weeks post surgery. I think that the most amazing thing was the day I looked in the mirror and noticed that I only had two chins instead of three!

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

The hospital I was at was only about 35 miles from my home. So it was an easy distance to travel.

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 followed the stages pretty well. Except, I still can not eat ground beef or scrambled eggs and could care less if I ever eat another popsicle! I did go through a bout of bulemia that lasted for about 2 months. The thing that I mourned giving up the most was Soda Pop. I was addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper and Root Beer before the surgery. To tell the truth...I still miss it. But I enjoy the weight loss better.

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

Because of my size, I was not able to do much at first. Now I walk, dance, use hand weights and look forward to the day I can ride a bike or horse.

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

I take two childrens multi-vitamins, a calcium supplement and get vitamin B shots.

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?

the worst thing for me was loosing my hair. I lost alot of it, but it has quit falling out now. I have only had one or two episodes of dumping, and have thrown up quite a few times. I think the key to dealing with all of this is to know it will happen most likely and to stay in counseling or your support group. It is somehow better knowing that others are going through this too!

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

Right after the surgery....they had me up and moving around. I thought I was going to die! That first time getting up was about as painful as it got for me. I was afraid to walk, I couldn't stand upright and was afraid to fall. My legs didn't seem to want to work right. But that was the medications they give you before and during the surgery.

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

I go to ObesityHelp.com quite often. I also attend support group once per month and see a counselor. I think it is important to have these support systems out there because you are changing so quickly physically that emotionally it can be hard. Also...there are others who are going through or have been through the same things you are and there is strength to be found knowing that.

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

It goes from upper stomache to belly button. It is not dark or riged or anything like that. I am kinda pround of it though...I call it my badge of courage! Because it is the start of a whole new me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't hit any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very supportive of me and the people in my life are great! I get asked alot of questions about the surgery and am always glad to answer. I also love to hear the comments people are making now!