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

I heard the Carney Wilson story and then another man in my area had it done. I did lots of reserch. At first I wasn't sure if this was right for me, but the more I reserched the more I knew it was right! I actually thought...could this really happen to me???

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

First I had to be approved through Hurley Medical Center; then they would send my info to my insurance company. It took a little over 2 months to get approved through Hurley. It wasn't their fault...it was the Dr.s that couldn't get his head on straight and give them what they needed. I also included a three page letter that I typed out that stated the diets I had been on, co-morbidies, and family history. Once Hurley approved me..they sent it to BCBS PPO Community Blue. I was told it could take up to 12 weeks. I called everyday. I didn't care if they got frustrated with me...this is my life and I deserve to live how I want. After 10 days they approved me!!!!

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

Dr. Obeid was wonderful. I was so nervous. I thought for sure he would take one look at me and say forget you...but he didn't. He found every way to make sure we could get the most out of my co-morbidies. Then he said he would perform the surgery for me. I would definetely have someone with you that can help ask questions. Perhaps that person will have questions to ask that you never thought of. Be prepared...know excactly why you are doing this, all your questions down, expect to be there for at least 4 hours. And just keep your chin up and don't give up!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my surgeon said he thought I was a great candidate! I thought if I had the surgeon and my doctor on my side, then I would be alright. I went through the stages but never thought that they would approve me.

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

The hospital stay was just fine. Most of the nurses were pretty good and friendly. Just make sure you have one wearing the blue uniform. Others are just temps. They aren't soo great. I was only there for 4days. And I was out by 11am on the fourth day. I didn't use anything special at the hospital. It helps having a roommate that you can talk with and share your pain with.

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

The only complication I had was becoming dehydrated and not being able to keep an IV in. That was the worse. There wasn't much I could do...just sit back and keep having the IV moved....6 times total.

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 so excited. I didn't get anxious...just couldn't wait for my date to come. The main thing that concerned me was my children. Making sure there was someone home for them. When I became really anxious was the night before. As the hours went by...the more nervous I was getting. And it was horrible not being able to eat anything!! The morning of,I started thinking of backing out. But I knew if I did I would regreat it forever. I would be ruining my chance for happiness, health, and life...so I went through with it!

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

The first week was pretty rough. I wasn't in alot of pain just uncomfortable. It was terribly trying to sleep. The second week was better. I was sleeping alittle more and able to sleep on my side with 4 pillows...under head, between legs, under belly, behind back. It was the most comfortable possition. My husband was great through it all. Whenever I became anxious he was right there holding me; listening, and trying to understand. Then he would say something like "just look how great you are doing already and how much you have lost" and I would start feeling better. I will tell you what...support is what you need most through the first few weeks. It is a tremendous help.

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

I didn't go very far. It took about 20 minutes. It was great because if there was a problem, I knew I could get right to the hospital and not worry about travel time.

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 haven't had many problems with food at all. Being 3 months out, I am able to eat anything. Even had a piece (small) of brownie. But the little amounts are enough to satisfy me. One thing I couldn't eat in the first month was eggs. They made me extreamly sick. But I can eat them now!!!

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

I had so much energy. I couldn't stand laying down. I would get tired alot and very easy. But once I had my nap, I was up walking again!

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

Woman's ultra mega vitamins and caltrate

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?

The worse was when it felt like something was stuck. That always made me nausiated. It lasted for about a month. I still get the feeling every once in a while but I don't vomit from it. I get the hick-ups and it seems to ease it.

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

The worse part was that I was having problems with my IV. I couldn't seem to keep it in one spot. Once it broke and they didn't get me another for about 2 hours. This was the first day after surgery. I was in a lot of pain and could hardly breath because of it. But the surgery itself was just like any other (had 8).

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

I had alot of friends from this site that were just great. No matter what questions I had; they would answer. My husband was just awesome. No matter what I needed or wanted he would try to get for me. It is so important to have someone by your side that is willing to go through this with you. Who will suppport you through the hardest parts and the not so hard parts. To let you cry, yell, swear, laugh...whatever and then just hug you and say it's ok. I think that is the most important.

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

I am only 3 weeks out but it is great. It is a pink color and is healing very well. The scar itself is better then where the staples were put in. It is nothing like I expected...it's better. I expected it to be grusome...but I think it will fade quit nicely.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes...people seem more friendly and aware of me. It's like they are treating me like I am somebody now. And everyone keeps saying how proud they are of me. It is embarressing sometimes though when people make comments like "hey skinny butt" or "skinny". They joke more with me and seem to respect me more. It's sad that this is how it is, but man...my self-esteem sure is climbing!!!