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

I found out from my mom who got it done. And my initial impressions was "am I too small to get it done?" I'm 5'6'' and weighed 243 pounds when I saw the surgeon.

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

Because my husband is Air Force I got the hook up. I only paid for the two nights I stayed at Wally Wonderful-Walter Reed Army Medical Center ($5.00).

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

THIS SURGEON IS A SAINT!!!! He was the nicest man I ever met....soft spoken, very concerned about ME, and wanted to know WHY I wanted to get this done. He also explained the risks and benefits associated with this surgery. After I saw him and went on my merry way getting my short "laundry list" completed I knew it would be smoothe sailing (hopefully until I get the call from him about my date to go in).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being able to live longer than what I would if I stayed on the path I was going. I knew I would have to face this weight problem for the rest of my life...and if I ever have children I want to be able to have energy and spunkiness to be there for them every step of their life. I also wanted to be able to not have this constant thing on my mind that I'M SO FAT! Very distracting when it comes to living life to its fullest.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't choose...the surgeon told me which one he was doing.

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 didn't have any fears about having complications or even dying from WLS. I knew my parents were there to take care of me after my surgery...so the support was there. I knew God would take care of me and I knew that the surgeon was GOOD!

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?

A lot of my friends and family told me that I wasn't "too big". That I should try the good 'ol fashioned way to lose weight. Others were concerned that I wouldn't be safe getting a surgery done. But those people's opinions that mattered the most were mine and I knew I had to get this done. Next time I wouldn't tell many people I was getting it done...they were sooooo negative about it. A lot of my family and friends that saw me after surgery and how much I was losing was really supportive.

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

My boss didn't really have an opinion. I just told her that I'm getting it done and that I would need about two and half weeks off after the surgery. She was fine with that....she's a great boss lady!

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

When I got to the hospital it felt like the nurses and the prep people knew what to do. There were other surgeries taking place that day. They were very friendly and kind. I was there for only 2 days (went in on a Wednesday and came home on a Friday). Most important things to bring is comfy clothes to wear home, extra pairs of socks, make-up and hair stuff (for women and men if you like wearing that stuff), and a pair of slip on sandals.

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

None.

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

My mom gave me some slimfast soy shake made with milk instead of the water (as directions read). I got sooooo sick after that...nauseated and threw up all day for two days. I had a fever when I came home and was moaning and groaning. Couldn't sleep. My dad gave me a blessing and I was able to sleep real good!

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

Expect being tired more than before. Remember you are taking in probably 400-800 calories a day for the first few weeks. You will be nauseated if you drink too fast or too much, or the wrong thing. I got sick with too much sugar and chocolate my first week. I had to get used to my brand new tummy. Which pain was for full, hungary, or healing? Things like that.

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

Not too far...just one hour around Washington DC's beltway.

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.

First two weeks=nothing but liquids (anything that can go up a straw) Week 3-4=Pureed foods and liquids Each day you get better! Each day I was able to drink a little more and a little faster. I was scared, I thought I stretched my stomach....but my mom reassured me that its normal.

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

By end of week 3 I was on top of the world!!!!!

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

Children's Daily Vitamin: Twice a day Calcium Tablets: 2 tablets twice a day

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?

Nausia!!! Only when I introduced something too soon. And that pain discomfort that comes and goes when you drink too fast or too much. I'm getting used to my stomach and know what it can or can not handle.

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

NOTHING!

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

We have a support group that meets once a month in person...and a website where we can post questions, news, celebrations, pictures, polls etc. This is very helpful and supporting!!!!! The websites make the monthly get togethers even more exciting!

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

Five little incisions that are going away each day. I'm put neosporen on it three times a day and its working like a champ. This is what I expected...I saw two ladies' stomachs before I went in for WLS. The scars kind of look like mosquito bites.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not that far post op yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! Guys at work and elsewhere are a lot more friendlier to me.