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

I got on the computer to find a surgeon who would do my bariatric surgery and that Medicare would pay. We had insurance approved for my surgery when my husband was finally retired from work, a little unwillingly, but he was in his seventies. So in order to afford the surgery I had to find a certified Medicare hospital and then find a surgeon who would talk to me about it and then I had to find one who I trusted with my life. I found him!

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

My first approval wasn't that hard to get. But then the same hospital didn't have certification for the surgery (bariatric). So, if you're covered with Medicare, you have to choose and ask hospitals if they're certified, then find your doctor there.

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

My first visit was very hectic because we had driven for 200 miles to the hospital and found out that we could accomplish everything during that visit if we could just hang in there all day. I went through everything that day from being weighed in to talking to the shrinks. Met Dr. Patel and fell in love with him, and before we left that day, I had been approved. I only had to wait and lose some weight in the meantime and they would notify me when I was scheduled. One of the most exciting days of my life since I turned 30. I'm 69 now.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had tried everything I knew to do, including hypnosis. I was hypnotized twice, the second time I quit smoking but I went to lose weight. So I accepted the fact that I wasn't a smoker anymore and not a loser there.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the RNY because I need to have quick weight loss and the lap band was slower. I know it's a good procedure but my knees had completely played out - bone on bone and walking is extremely painful. My ortho surgeon had told me he would replace my knees if and when I lost weight. That's why I wanted as quick of weight loss as I could get and still be healthy.

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?

It's funny, but I had no fears. I fully trusted Dr.Patel and knew that if I had complications or died, I was ready if that was the way it was to be.

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

I arrived on a Wednesday morning, very early, checked in and had my procedure that morning. I left at noon on that Friday. You need to bring some loose fitting clothes to wear home, but as far as the hospital stay, they put walking socks on you and your hospital gown and you just need your toothbrush and comb.

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

None that I was aware 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?

I was on pins and needles practicing eating slowly, drinking lots of water and really trying to chew my food real slowly. I just practiced everything.

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

Well, my first few weeks home were my happiest. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I can't explain how happy I felt over this procedure. My husband helped me with my food and really watched what I was eating. I was stunned at how little I could eat, still am.

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

I traveled 200 miles to the hospital. We got there and got a room the night before surgery. Then reported to the hospital at 6 a.m. next morning. The aftercare was not as easy. Dr. Patel told my husband to stop every 30 minutes on the way home and let me walk around the car for a little while so that I wouldn't get any blood clots. We did this even though it had begun raining.

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.

To begin with I only ate very bland food, cream of wheat with sugar sweetner, cottage cheese, yogurt, a little coffee, tea, Krystal Light. I gradually added one of my favorites that I found out from another friend on-line and that is refried beans, vegetarian style, with a little cheese on top. That went down real good. I then tried to eat beef. That's hard and is still. Hamburger meat just doesn't want to go down, maybe one bite or two. Stewed chicken - dark meat is easier to eat than white meat although I've always preferred white meat. It has been five months and I still get hungry, but when I begin to eat, I realize that the food doesn't really appeal to me all that much. One or two bites of something (meat) and that will do it. I still like my carbs but have to watch them because they will fill me up too fast and that makes me feel a little stuffed and sick.

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

I stayed in the house the first week, but then ventured outside and walked around. Finally began driving after two weeks, but not very far and was very careful about picking up things.

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

I take two Flintstones complete daily. I try to get in 60+grams of protein daily. The other pills are my medication for my legs. My BP is down to normal but they're keeping me on a couple of the pills and my thyroid pill has been lowered to the very least amount.

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

I go to the 3FatChicks website, Weight Loss Surgery and that's where I do most of my posting. I had planned on attending the support programs but the nearest one is 60 miles away and is at night. Due to my age, I don't drive at night unless it's an emergency. I'd love to attend one that meets in the daytime.

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

I have to hunt for my scars. I have 4 little dots but who cares?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed down this past month considerably. I'm anxious to see my doctor in December and see if I'm doing anything wrong or if I can up the weight loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do. They seem to notice me more when I look at them. Before I felt as if I was just the fat lady in the room and no one really cared.