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

I found out about bariatric surgery in January from a couple of women I met at the gym. It definitely caught my attention and they were very open to my questions. Then I started doing my own research. It took almost 3 1/2 months to research it, talk my Husband into it and get approved and set a surgery date.

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

My advice to anyone trying to get insurance approval for surgery would be to have all of the information they need, ready the first time you submit, so you don't have to go back and forth. That's how I would do it, if I had to do it again and knew what I know now.

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

My first visit with Dr. Scott was very good. I had done my research day and night. So I was pretty well informed and didn't have to ask too many questions. My mind was set I was going to have this done and I wanted the RNY not the VBG.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided my quality of life was not what it should be. I am just existing. I'm not able to do anything without pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the procedure that was known to give better results long term. I am a sweet eater and this fit my lifestyle.

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 have to admit I had my fears. It was very hard saying Goodbye to my son and Mom the day before surgery. My Son was not able to get away from school. I truly believe they are normal feelings. I was so happy to wake up in recovery and see my Husband there waiting for me.

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 tried to be supportive. They didn't say too much to try and change my mind. I think they know what I've gone through with my weight. My Brother and Sister are both heavy smokers and are thin. And my Mom saw that it was time to do something about my weight, so she didn't give me a hard time. My Husband was afraid to lose me, but I think he knew how much it meant to me to be healthier and more active. As for my son, he just didnt' want to lose his Mom.

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

My hospital stay was alright. I think the worst part about it was the two days in Intensive care. I had to share a room with a lady who was there for some other procedure who was not all there. She kept hollering for nurses, day and night. Asking them to scratch her back or anything else she could think of asking for. I ended up sitting in icu in a chair from 5:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. the second day, waiting for a hospital room to become available and having to listen to that lady. When it was time to get in bed at 8:00 p.m. I wasn't able to stand up alone, but legs gave out and I could not find anyone there in ICU willing to help me into bed and that's when the tears followed. I hadn't been given permission to take my Zoloft and it caught up with me quick.

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

No complications at all. I feel very lucky to have been complication free.

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

The first week I think I was mourning food. It was rough for me to be on clear liquids. The second has been much easier. The best part was getting the staples out. I was much more comfortable after they were removed. I have to say now I'm glad I had this surgery and would do it again.

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

110 miles from Hobbs, New Mexico to Lubbock, Texas.

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.

7-4-02steak and chicken just do not agree with me. I can eat toast but bread doesn't go down well. Alot of foods just do not appeal to me. Like pizza, ugh. I can eat salad and fruits as long as I chew my food well.

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

There is a support group in Lubbock, Texas 110 miles away. This website is the next best thing to support that I have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've been stuck at 199.5 for 3 days. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'm getting my liquids as best I can for two weeks. I suspect I need to try harder at getting my protein all in, but its rough, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day or room in my tummy for it. I hit another plateau. I've been stuck at 178.5 for almost 3 weeks. Since I can't exercise, because I am recovering from a broken leg, it makes it harder to kick this plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm almost 3 months post op. My Husband has noticed the weightloss in my face and butt. I even notice my face has gotten thinner.