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

Carney Wilson's story was my first encounter. Then I started looking for other story's and information on the procedure. I immediately thought it was a gift to people like myself who had tried everything else to lose the weight and always gained it back (plus extra pounds each time!).

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

My Drs. office handled sending the request to the insurance company and then notified me as soon as the approval came in. I didn't have any trouble getting the approval from my provider.

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

My first visit with Dr. Jones was very smooth. I had already had two previous meetings with his nurse, and had done alot of research on the procedure, so I didn't have many questions for him. He reviewed my history with me and we talked about the different surgery options and he made his recommendation. I would suggest that you bring your questions in writing so that you are sure to get them answered and also don't be afraid to tell your surgeon what YOUR expectations are of the surgery so that he/she can let you know if your thinking is realistic and fits what they can provide you with.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that the only way I was going to be able to change my eating habits and my lifestyle was to have a permanant tool. The small pouch is a constant reminder of my goal and I know that I will never be the same person.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research on the internet and talking with others who have had the procedure. That along with talking to the Surgeon on what would be the best option 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 really never had any fear of the surgery. I went into it with a feeling that everything would be fine; but with the knowledge that I could have serious complications and would deal with them if need be.

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?

Most friends were very supportive; especially my co-worker friends. My family was very apprehensive about my decision. They didn't understand why I would want to take the risk of dying from the surgery; but now that that part is over, they are completely behind me in my ongoing goals.

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

My supervisor was completely supportive of my decision. I was out of the office for 3 weeks; but able to work some from home, so I lessened the inconvenience to the rest of the staff.

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 2 days. While the bed was uncomfortable; my recovery was very smooth. The staff at Methodist was so kind and accommodating. I was definately glad to have comfy slippers along so I could get out of bed and walk often. I would also recommend bringing your own robe so you feel more like yourself walking in the hallways.

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

I have been very fortunate and have not had any complications from the surgery.

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

When I went in to meet with my surgeon, I went in with the understanding that the surgery date could be scheduled at that appt. and that it typically runs 6 weeks out. I was so suprised when he came into the room after looking at his schedule and told me my surgery date was 2 weeks away! I was a little nervous about the realization that it was really going to happen for me; but I never waivered that it was the right decision for me.

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

In the first 10 days or so; while on the liquid diet, I tired very easily. I needed to sit down and rest between the simplest things; like between getting undressed and getting into the shower. Walking up stairs was also very tiring. But that passed quickly once I was moved to the pureed foods.

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

My Dr. is about 35 miles from my house. Travel takes about 35-40 minutes.

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 not had anything that I haven't been able to tolerate. I have had meat get 'stuck' a couple of times; but that is more a result of not chewing properly and not that the foods are off-limits.

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

I started walking slowly right after surgery. Each day, I added a little more on to my walk and started moving more quickly. 3 weeks after surgery I started back to working out at CURVES and go there 4-5 times weekly.

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

I take a chewable multivitamin daily and a b-12 weekly. I also take calcium chews daily.

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 am just starting to notice some hair loss when I get ready in the morning. I have had no dumping, and have only vomitted 2x since surgery and both of those times have been a result of stuck food.

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

The JP drain tube needing to be left in until my 1st re-check at 10 days out.

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

I attend support group meetings every other week with a group of people who live in my area and I also joined an online support group. I find it is very helpful to hear what other people's journies have been like.

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

I have five 1 to 1-1/2 inch scars going across my upper abdomen from the lap. My Dr. had told me ahead of time what to expect, so I had no surprise.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far my loss has been pretty consistant.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not strangers yet - but I am only 8 weeks out. My family, friends and co-workers are constantly complimenting me on my success so far; it is really a motivator to me!