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

I found out by looking on the internet. My first impression of it was that it is amazing. The pictures and stories that others contribute are very helpful in making a decision.

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

I had KY Medicaid and it was very fast. I knew in less than a week that I was approved and got a date scheduled for the next week. Let the doctor's office handle things if they are willing to do so effectively.

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

My first visit went very well. I was very comfortable with my doctor and felt like he really listened to my opinions and thoughts. Do a lot of research. Be prepared to discuss all techniques and know what you feel more comfortable with and let the doctor know that it is your decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After realizing that if I didn't do something then I would only get worse and I felt like I could never find clothes to fit me and that I wore the same things all the time because it depressed me to go shopping.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After doing research on my own I decided to go with my gut on what I thought would work best for me. I went against what my doctor suggested but he backed me up saying that it was my decision. I'm having LAP gastric bypass on 6-6-02!!!!only one more week of waiting!

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 have fears about it but have put it in God's hands from the beginning. I prayed that it would work out smoothly if it was meant to be and so far it has been a fast process. My family, friends, and church are all supporting me in my decision. Thank you everyone!!I believe that my fear is not as bad because I am confident about what I've chosen to do.

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 is very supportive and have all come together to help me in my hospital stay and after returning home and they are taking care of my son while I recover. they are very generous.

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

Well I'm a college student and am having it done during my summer break so I won't miss anything.

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

My stay in the hospital is where I had the most pain. However, the team of nurses and doctors were very helpful and considerate. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I think most importantly bring someone with you who can stay with you the entire time and then something comfortable to wear home.

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

The only complication I had from the surgery really was that at the 3rd week I got an infection in my incision. I had to take an antibiotic for 2 weeks and it healed nicely. I also had ketosis for a couple of weeks but the more you eat the faster it goes away and drink lots of fluids.

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 got my surgery date one week before. I didn't have time to get nervous. I was very confident in my decision so I was ready for it all. I faced it head on and was very excited.

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

The first two weeks home for me were actually less painful then the 3 and 4 weeks. I did a lot of napping because I was still on pain meds so they made me tired. Since I had open i was told not to do too much.

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

I have to travel 4 hours to Louisville,KY to have surgery!

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.

My first 4 wks were liquids. Soups, broth, popscilces, pudding, jello. Then I was to gradually introduce foods. Eating only one thing at a time so you can determine which foods make you sick. Bread is tough to digest and so is chicken because they swell up and sometimes feel like they get stuck going down. Ice cream is off limits and so is chocolate. week by week you can eat a little more 3 bites instead of 2. Not much tiny portions and eat slowly chewing very well.

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

Activity levels were very low but that's because until you start eating more you don't have anything in your system to give you energy. It gets better as you progress and shed those pounds!!!

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

The only vitamins I take are flinstones chewables and a b-12 shot once a month.

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 have vomiting still every once in a while because your stomach cannot tolerate somethings. Sleeping was only difficult in the begining. I haven't experienced anything else.

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

The worst part has been the emotional changes you go through. You don't realize how they can affect you. It takes dedication to yourself and a lot of commitment.

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

obesityhelp.com!!! Very helpful people.

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

Looks like train tracks from breast bone to navel. I thought I was having it done laproscopically so it was not what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had a one week plateau where there was no weight loss then all of a sudden it said i lost 6 pounds!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People only treat me different at meals. They joke about how little I am able to eat but it doesn't bother me they're just jealous.