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

TV and I wanted to find out more about it.

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

I didn't have any problems since I had been to the doctor many times because of my weight and the problems it caused.

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

Imformative. Write down your questions and take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The insurance approval.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the proceedure that VAnderbilt suggested.

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 had so many people from this website across the country praying for me. I also had the people from the support group and from my church praying. I also had confidence in Vanderbilt and Dr. Richards. I checked his record and asked him about how many patients he had lost from the surgery.

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?

Some of my family were very supportive and some were not so supportive. Some think I won't stick with it. Everyone has been supportive with my weight loss so far.

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

I had wonderful care while I was in the hospital for 3 days. I've never had some many doctors come to see me. The nurses were very caring. The only things I took to the hospital was my pillow, toothbrush and tooth paste. I had my daughter bring my radio so that I could listen to Christian music. You really don't need anything else.

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

Some Neausa. I think it was the morphine. I asked the doctor to take me off of it. I slept so much better and wasn't sick again. A little fever and a little rise in my blood pressure.

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 am three years post op. I have had some depression and crying. I try to stay busy, move around a lot to feel better.

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

I was really sore the first few days and had to take pain medication. I made sure I walked around the house alot. I slept in a chair the first two or three nights. I went out shopping on the 3rd or 4th day home. Went back to work on the 4th day (only to get paid for the Christmas holidays). I think the more you do, the better you feel until you reach your limit. Emotions were crazy. Cried and yelled alot.

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

15-20 miles.

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 am only three weeks post-op but haven't had any problems with eating what is on the list. Most times, you just don't want to eat.

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

My support group is held at the hospital twice a month. It is so helpful and supportive. I had all my fears calmed when I went to a meeting before my surgery. This webside has been a big help also.

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

I have six small scars. I had a total of 26 staples. It is less that what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not at the point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No change at this point.