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

My cousin had an open RNY. She has done very well and has lost 105 lbs. She had back & leg pain also. She does not have to have knee surgery now. That impressed me very much.

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

My primary carrier- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tex- denied it My secondary-MMSI- approved it in about 4 weeks.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Wongsa was very informative. He was straight forth and told me all about the risks. I had done a lot of reading before hand and he answered my questions. One thing I learned is this surgery is not a TOOL. it is a commitment you make with yourself. It's like marriage you go into it with the intent making it work and it is something you have to work at everyday of your life. You don't just quite because it's too hard.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mother has a weight problem also. She spends most of her waking day in her chair because her legs & back hurt. I found my self becoming like my mother. I have 2 children, 3 beautiful grandsons and a wonderful husband that are very important to me. My husband had a stroke at age 43 he is now 57 and that event made us both aware of how important your health is.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the LAP mainly because I don't like to be cut open. The recovery time is less and I understand the pain is less.

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 think everyone has a fear of dying. That is normal. I put my faith in God and my surgeron. I would tell other people that are having the surgery or even not have the surgery to have their walk with God in the right place. No one knows their time to die, I would suggest just be ready!

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. He sees me in pain. The friends that know are behind me. Not to many people know as of right now. I live in a community of old retired folks that have their own negative opinions.

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

I told me boss I was having surgery and would like it to be kept quiet. I told him the days I would be gone and he said ok. Because I wanted it kept quiet he said, don't tell me what kind of surgery it is. He did not question me and wished me well. I have been in his prayers since the day I told him.

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

The hospital I used was very good. I never had to wait for anything. I was there 2 days. A good book, toothbrush,and slippers

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

I had no complications at all. No pain. Just a little nauesa the day of surgery. The nurse gave me medication for nauesa.

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

The week after surgey I was on a liquid diet. I still had no pain. I walked a lot. I felt good other than being tired. My sleep was not a sound sleep I was restless. I talked alot with my husband which helped with any anxiety.

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

The second week from surgery I went back to work 1/2 days. People should expect to still be a little tired. I had a hard time eating. I did not want to eat. But I knew I had to eat 1/2 oz. of meat and veggies 3 times a day. The liquid intake is very important.

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

I live about 120 miles from my Doctor. It does not affect my aftercare.

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.

The only food I eat is Lean Meat and Green veggies. All foods other than lean meat and gr. veggies are off limits. My Doctor only wants me to eat as he says. And I do! I am in week 7 now and I feel like I could eat a little more but I don't. The liquid is getting harder to get down. I am suppose to drink 80oz. a day.

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

In the beginning my actvity level was just walking. This week my 7th week I am going to the gym.

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

My Doctor recommends 2 Flintstone Chewable with Iron a day. And I chew 4 Tums a day. The Flintstones will be for life. They are my treat each day. I love them.

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?

My sleep is still not like it should be. Nausea was for only one day, the day of surgery. My hair is not coming out yet, but I expect in about another month. My hair is thin anyway so I will either get a wig or wear a smile with my thin hair and nice looking new body.

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

The one day of nauesa.

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

My Doctor does not as of yet an aftercare support group program. I think it would be every good to have. I live 120 from the city and the interconnection with others that have had this surgery would be great. But my husband is my best support group.

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

I had Lap surgery. I have 6 little scars that look like bites. Each day they look better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had no plateaus as of yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most people say "What happened to you?" They don't treat me any differently.