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

I found out through a friend of a friend. My first thought was " you lost all that weight, Mabe I could to. And I was sooo interested that I called the doctors office the next day and the journey began.

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

Well, Let's see... I was told my my surgeons office that I would most likely get approved so I was happy, Then a few days after she put in all the paperwork I was Approved, Just like that! I thought. But then I found out that I had to re summit my paperwork 30 days prior to having surgery, So we did that, Then came the horror!!! I was denied!!! So I immediately called the insurance people and spoke with a great woman named Ava. She faxed me this and that. Then I updated my weight wich helped. I faxed back the new info and the next morning Ava called and told me my authorization number. I was APPROVED!!! My insurance only pays for surgery if the patient is 100 Lbs or more over weight with co-morbidities, Or if the patient is 200% of there ideal weight.

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

It was quick I thought. I expected to be there for awhile and have to convinse him that I needed surgery. We went over the surgery it's self and the post op plans and everything I had tried to lose weight and he answered all the questions I had for him. He asked me basic things and took notes and at the end told me he would write a letter to my insurance people and that If I did get denied to appeal it. Then It was over.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I think the thought of myself being happier after surgery and being able to have more fun with my family. I was also givin alot of info on this site "obesityhelp.com" And that helped a great deal in making my decision. Seeing all the success stories.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had learned about the open Rny from a friend so I reserched it online and decided to go for that one. It also has the better chance for optimum weight loss as far as what I have seen.

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?

Well I am less than 2 weeks away from having my surgery, And I am not frightened, I believe that God doesn't give anyone anything that they can't handle. I also believe that If I am called to walk with God then It was the right time for me. I do for the sake of my family and I, hope all goes well of course!!!

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 GREAT!! I could not have a better husband. He is my rock. I love them all sooo much. They are all happy for me and praying that everything goes well. I sure that after surgery they will continue to be there when I need them, And when I don't!! : )

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

I work taking care of my family and home.

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

I was at the hospital for 5 days. I wen't in Wednesday morning and was rerleased on Sunday morning. I only brought something to read and personal hygiene products. ie.. Toothbrush, deodorant, brush. Things like that. I would recommend that if your period is due that you bring pads. The hospital had everything you need though. But if your picky like me and have to use your own brushes and personal things then that's all you should need to bring.

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

Well, I would say that what happened to me is a minor comlication. After surgery I wen't to the ICU unit and was having a hard time breathing. My blood pressure was 60/30. Not good!! But the doctors gave me something to counter act with the Moropheine and then I went up hill from there.

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

Well I was just excited up untill the night before. Then I was very emotional and calling lot's of relatives to say I love you's. Then I just turned it over to the good LORD and let him take it from there.

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

Just expect to be tired, You may have more or less energy than others. I was up and out in a few days.

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

I was an hour and a half from the hospital. It just took a lot more gas.

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 stuck to doctors orders for about 2-3 months. Then I pretty much started getting my own feelings with food. I can eat whatever I want now, Just alot less that I would have before surgery. And the amazing thing is that I actually get full so quick! I do stay away from fried foods and steak and I limit sugar intake. I am tending to snack though. BAD!!

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

it started slow and then skyrocketed

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

Childrens bugs bunny complete vitamins. b12, tums-ex, iron

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 had the hair loos thing, But that started before surgery for me like after I had my 4 year old son. So I am used to it. Nothing else is bothering me though. I have had diarhea a few times. Ate to fast I think.

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

The tube in my throat was the WORST. I couldn't talk that well and every thime they brought in a breathing treatment (wich is normal) I gaged. But after it came out, I was feeling 100% better.

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

I have obesityhelp.com that is all right now. And they are GREAT! I should get back to see my doctor but I am working and it is hard right now.

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

It is from my breast bone to my belly botton in length. and it is reddish. I had seen pictures before so I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It seems like I had a plateau for a week and a half where I didn't lose anything, But the next week I dropped like 13 lbs. So I don't know what happened there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have to say I do, Only because when I go somewhere where people knew me before when I was much larger they look at me and just complement me. I have people say things like " Dang girl, you are melting away on us" And " What's up Slim" You know It makes you feel good to see that people are noticing.