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

I found out from a friend. I was scared. Knew there was a chance I could die, but later found out that the odds are very slim.

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

I was approved pretty fast. However they have turned me down now after surgery. Funny ugh? Now everything is fine. They are paying most of it. I am paying 20% plus some things that are not covered.

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

I loved him. He answered all of my questions and then some.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daddy had it and lost 80 pounds in just a couple months. He has now lost 134 pounds.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not want to be cut open, so I chose the DDS lap. procedure.

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 scared to die and even made a will out, but I knew I didn't want to be fat anymore and prayed that I would be ok.

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 family was scared but they supported me 100%. They have been great.

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

I did not tell them at first. I was only out for 2 weeks total.

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

I hated the hospital, the staff was awful. I was there 6 days. Bring someone to take care of you, dont depend on the nurses, they hardly ever came when I called.

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

No complications, except for fever and high heart rate. It eventually went back to normal.

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 fine. Got scared the week before surgery. Just talked to friends that had already been there and they helped assure me i was going to be ok.

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

You are VERY sore the first week home. You will be very tired, so dont overdo it. Just rest and try not to worry. It WILL get better!

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

3 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 ate the liquid diet the first 2-3 weeks, then slowly added pureed potatoes, soups, chicken, etc. I am now 10 weeks post op and can eat most anything I want. Just not too much.

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

I was not very active the first 2 weeks after surgery. I did try to walk to the mailbox everyday, so I would not have blood clots. Now I feel like I am back to normal at 10 weeks post op.

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

I take Childrens chewable Flintstone vitamins and Citracal-D.

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 had a little nausia at first, but it gets better after 6 weeks post op. I am sleeping much better. The worse thing is that I am cold a lot. Use to sweat all the time, but not anymore.

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

The pain the first 5 days. It was awful. But it was worth it. I have lost 40 pounds at 10 weeks post op.

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

I meet with the Crossover Bridge program once a month in Jackson, Ms. It is very informative. People help you by talking to you because they are going threw the same thing or already have been there.

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

It is very little. I had Lap. 6 little incisions. Very tiny

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost about 30 pounds the first month then went 3 weeks hardly losing any weight. Only about 4 pounds, but have since started again to lose better.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, everyone says that I am looking good.