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

I saw a lady who was at one time my neighbor and I knew her but, did not remember where I knew her from until she explained who she was. She had lost about 150lbs. She shared with me what she had experienced so over some years I thought about it until I decided to look into it for myself and then go forward with the procedure.

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

I wrote my insurance a letter on why I need the surgery and they agreed. 1st try.

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

He was totaly honest. He explained the PROS and the CONS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daughter and my health. My daughter is everything to me. I was sick and tired of not feeling like doing this or doing that with her. I went on a field trip with her and all the walking made me very short of breath and I felt like that was embarrissing to her so I deciced not to attend anymore field trips and I did not want her being teased because of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only did the Open Gastric By-pass.

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 afraid of all the risk especially, death. I was making a choice to better my life and at the same time I was afraid of leaving my daughter and my family but, I prayed about it and it was decided that it was best for me so, the Lord brought me through it safe and sound, and I thank him everyday.

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?

I have one aunt that was very hesitant at first but, after I explained to her why I felt it was est for me she understood much better and all of my friends were 100% support then and NOW.

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

Mr.Allee Ponton/Maximus/ & Todays Staffing were all very Supportive of me. I was working part-time and Mr.Ponton knew people who had the surgery and he assured me that I was doing what was best for me. He allow me to recover during my recovery period and kept my position available for me.

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

My stay was good, I was in St.Mary's Hospital for 4 days and I had to have my socks.

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

No none that I knew of.

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

Very, very sick. I could not eat o drink anything. I was regretting it every day for months atleast until October. I was sick of being sick.

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

My first few weeks were the worst. I had my grandmother to come and stay with me. I had my family and my friends to come by everyday and every weekend I had lots and lots of company. I was in alot of pain and I wanted to eat and drink and I couldn't. It was very hard and it took some time.

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

I traveled about 10 miles going and coming

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.

Soup,orange jello or broth and water was the only thing I could eat. No eggs. in the beginning but, now I can tolerate almost anything but, very little portiions.

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

I walked around my house everyday and each week I would walk a little further up and down my street, until I was able to do water areobics.

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

I am currently taking a Flinstone Complete everyday since July 9, 2005

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?

All the above I have experienced. All were and are bad to experience but, mostly I miss my hair. Not so much of a problem sleeping but I was hospitalized several times for the nausea and vomiting. It went on for about 4 to 5 months and sometimes now if i an not careful.

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

The PAIN, constipation, drinking that dye and looking at the cut on my stomach.

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

None now since I have relocated.

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

Yes, it is now. At first it was very hard to look at.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes