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

I first read about it in a Womens World Mag. I tried to find out anything I could. My husbad even accused my of bieng obsesive about it. If only he was in my shoes maybe he would understand how I felt.I wanted to have it done as soon as possible.

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

I had no problems with insurance. My husband is military they covered everything.

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

He was very friendly. Write down all your questions before you go in. This will help you to not forget them.Make sure he answers all of them and if you need extra explanation ask for more. This is your life on the line you need to know all you can. This will help you in making a decision about weather you want to have this done or not.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Oh it was many things , Health , Wanting to get out there with your kids not just watch them but to really interact with them. And the least but it was a factor I wanted to look nice for my husband. I feel unattractive.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not the surgeon did. I had to go with what they were willing to do.

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?

BLOOD CLOTS. GET UP AND WALK!! This was my main fear.

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 was worried. Was I making the right decision. Could I handle the many changes I would have to go through. My mom went to a education seminar about gastric bypass she wanted to know all she could. I think it made her feel better. Afterwards they still worry was I eating enough or to much. Are you taking your vitamins, drinking enough water. They are getting better but it is their job to worry. So I let them. There is nothing I will every be able to do to change that.

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

I do not work so not much to say here. I am going to get a job. I will start looking this month. I feel so much better about myself and physically I feel great. I think I am up to it.

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

Hospital stay was really good. I got alot of encouragement from the staff. I stayed for 5 days. I got up and walked a hole bunch. There was not 1 thing that was important to bring. I wore the hospital gown. Bathroom item you should bring to help yourself feel good.

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

There was one problem. They had me take some meds by mouth on an empty stomach. They should have put it in my stomach tube. I felt really sick I could have done woithout this.

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 so scared. I did not want to over eat. I did not want any more pain. I was really bitchy. My husband would tell you this. I am now on medication for depression. Which is not uncommon.

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

I did not do much. I stayed to myself.I was still very unsure of myself. I really looked bad I was bloated and sore. Not many people wanted to be around me. I was so unsure of the hole thing.

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

less than 3 miles. I live on post and the hospital in also on post.

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.

I could not eat RICE and still can not 5 months out. NO WAY!! Bread was bad at first but know if I am careful I can eat a bit. I eat just about any thing else.

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

I was driving within 2 weeks I know I should not have but with 4 kids there are times when you have no choice.I was depressed afterwards. It was about 3 to 4 months post op before I got help. I know at 5 months out feel the best I have been in over a year. I feel like I am a normal person.

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

Pre natal vitamins. I am starting herballife gold program. There are zero sugars in thier shakes but have I think 10 grams protien.

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?

The only side effect is hair loss . I can not stand it. I have places when my hair is so thin. I have looked for all kinds of ways to replace the protein. I eat alot of steak.

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

The pain DUH. I would do it again even if I know the pain I was going to have. It was so worth it!!

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

There is a monthly group here on post for military or not anyone is welcome to come. But really my family has been the biggest help. My Mom went to a I think it was a forum for Doctors and nurses to help her understand and learn about the surgery.She wanted to know allshe could. This helped her be more understanding and very supportive.My husband tried to be supportive but he was to scared you can tell when some one is faking it . That was the but know he can't say enough.He likes what he sees. The medical concerns are no longer there I think this is what helps him feel better.

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

Part of it looks great but some of it has kelloided Hope I spelled it right. it means raised ever so slightly. Did I expect it to do that yes I did.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The weight lose has slowed down but even 10 pounds a month at 5 months is still awsome. I will not complain. Plus when you work out you may not lose weight because to are trying to tone muscles and as we all know muscle weighs more than fat.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

You they are more likely to come up and talk to me. People seem more friendly. But you know I am not sure if it is the other people or if it is me. Maybe it is how I carry myself or the fact that I smile more maybe I am the one that has made all the changes not on the outside but the way I feel on the inside and people see that I am not the sad , regected down person I was.I am now happy!!