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

ObseityHelp.com............I typed in Obesity one day and BOOM here I am. I started thinking about surgery in the Fall of 2001, saw a surgeon in May 2002, and surgery in September 2002.

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

I knew that State Group was horrid, but I never would have guessed that they would have given me problems denying me!!!! All my secondary insurance needed was a simple letter, and SEGB didn't want to do that. So after 17 years I said, "So Long" and went completely with Tri-Care. They approved me immediately. They have been wonderful!!!1

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

Dr. Jones was excellent...........He made a great impression. I think he is great!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health hit an all time low. I was taking Glucovance, Cozar, 6 Welchol pills daily and a Zocar for high chloestrol, coumadin, vioxx, and celexa..............This was a total of 13 pills each day and I need it was getting worse!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only does the open RNY

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 a terrible fear of clots! I had a PE/DVT in 2000 and was scared of having another. God had been great by giving me so many 2nd chances that I was scared that I had taken them all........But I talked with God and told Him, if he thought this was what I needed he would bring it to me....I knew that He wouldn't let me done! Blessed be my Wonderful and Loving GOD!

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?

Parents - were scared, but they understood why I felt that I needed it Husband - was supportive.......retired Army so he is in fair shape Children - daughter 14 was supportive and son (3) to young to understand Brother - was scared, but left it up to me Friends - happy for me, scared but supported me

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

A lot better than I thought............Everyone seems to support me or at least to my face! LOL

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

My hospital stay was uneventful. The nurses and staff were very friendly and tried to accomodate me and my family as much as possible. I would never hesitate to use Schumpert again.

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

No, Thanks to my wonderful GOD in Heaven

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

Tired.............Not much anxiety, Celexa was and is my buddy! :-)

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

I tired easily, but always was able to sleep in my own bed. I was not cut down the center of my stomach, my surgeon has developed his own signature cut.

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

1 1/2 hours!

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 have been able to tolerate most foods..........with the exception of milk (which I loved pre-op). My biggest problem lies with eating too fast!!!!!!

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

LOW.............

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

I take 2 multi-vitamins and 2 Tums daily and will continue through the rest of my life. No supplements, doctor doesn't want us to take them...we get enough protein thru food.

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?

No side effects were horrid. Felt pretty good from the beginning and continues to present (2 months)

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

The tube sticking out of my tummy! YUK

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

ObesityHelp.com. I live too far from my surgeon's office for montly meeting! :-( I also have my email buddies

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

About 7 inches.........from the center of my chest to the left rib area. Haven't had any trouble of discomfort!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOoooohhhhhhhhhhhh I seem to have one every few weeks. Either that or my scales STICK! I sometime don't eat enough and I think it hurts me in the long run

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really...........I am pretty much a people person and I guess I am more so now..........