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

I first learned about it from a girl I work with. She was crossing a street when a lady hit her 400 lb. body and threw her on the hood of her truck. Therapy on her would'nt work, because she had too much weight on her to help her back. After a real fight with the insurance company they finally approved her surgery. She did not have the R-N-Y !! She is still big just not as big.That is when I learned all I could from her. I began getting info. together from my doctor, and they turned me down a year ago. It has been worth the fight!!!

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

I waited a month for my approval, and when it finally came I was overjoyed. Have lots of patience. Before you start this make sure you have researched it, and know that it is what you want, because you can't go back after the surgery. Alot of people work very hard to get you to this point, just don't waste your time or their's. Be consistent and let them know you are determinded.

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

I immediately liked Dr. Wongsa!! He was to the point,and very direct. Be sure you have researched this, and know that you are committed to having your surgery. I asked questions and he answered no matter how simple or complex.Write a list and take it with you. Don't be afraid to ask.He is not a mind reader!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was getting bad.I also have a very active 13 year old daughter. She is also heavy, and I want to reverse what eating habits I've instlled in her. I want to be able to play volleyball with her and go to the mall, and be able toi walk with her, not sit on the bench and wait for her to come back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I'm not certain if it will be open or laproscopic, because I am alredy so big. I will probably go with the open, and not risk having him not be able to do it laproscopically.

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 honestly feel that this is no bigger risk than me weighing 464, and having trouble breathing. I feel that I am at least trying to help myself, and should I die, or have complications, GOD will be watching over me. You can have complications being to heavy as well as having this surgery. Be confident, and say alot of prayers, he will listen.

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 mother isn't very supportive, but my sister say's it's because she is scared. I think so too.All of my friends are excited, and have been very supportive.They all can't wait for me to loose weight so I will start socializing with them, outside of work.

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

Mysupervisor was so happy. She is very supportive of the surgery.She and I have had a couple of run-ins about my weight and other peoples concern about it.I drive a school-bus so I will be out for the remainder of the month of May. I will go back in August a smaller person, and hopefully more comfortable.(no chair with arms is big enough)

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

my stay in the hospital was fine. everyone seemed very informed about my surgery.i was only in 4 days and 3 nights.bring your own gowns and panties.hair-brush.they will give you lotion, bodybath/shampoo in 1,and a toothbrush&a tube of toothpaste.bring a pair of comfortable shoes to walk in around the halls, oh and maybe a housecoat, or robe that buttons.

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

i have an allergy to laytex. the surgical staff was informed before surgery, and on the morning i had surgery. i had diffuculty breathing,so they put a central line in my neck into the jugular. it also acted as my i.v., for fluids,vitamins, and pain med's,also antibiotics.they put tape that has latex over the central line to keep it in place,along with sutures,anyway about 2 days of it and i realized it was latex, because it itched, and burned.Dr. Wongsa finally had someone change it, and the result is i have huge welts that cover my neck.be sure to tell them about any allergy you have . be persistent in what you need from the nursing staff.

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 excited about it only anxious the week before. i knew that this was the right thing to do.it honestly could'nt get here fast enough.

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

the hardest is not being able too eat!!you are still mentally hungry,but your stomache is not gonna take much abuse, before you start throwing up!!drink too much you will throw-up,eat too much or too fast throw-up!!it is a learning process!!

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

I traveled about 50 plus miles for my surgery!!

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.

my body sometimes tolerates meat, and some days it does'nt!!Popsicles always were o.k.!!fish works sometimes,and somedays it does'nt!! My doctor says no Carbs.!!That is no potatoes,pasta,bread,orrice!!Nothing related to those things either!!no sugar, grains,etc.....

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

The energy level for me fluctuated, depending on if I could eat meat or not!!

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

flinstone chewables with 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?

alot of nausea and vomiting somedays.you learn how to deal with it. some days everything is fine. i lost hair for the first month, and then it slowed down and it quit falling out so much!!I stayed on mostly sugar free stuff so dumping was'nt a problem!!

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

learning how and what to eat!!!!your mind still says your hungry, and you have to over-come that mental state of mind!!!

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

none!Friends and others who had surgery before me!!you should find sombody to talk to that understands!!

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

my incisions are small and after a month they are going away nicely

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

loosing weight quickly, and clothes are beginning to get loose! Energy level is coming up as weight comes off!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people are telling me they can tell I've lost weight!!men have begun commenting about how good I look!!That's weird for me!!!