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

Had seen on TV talk shows. The turning point for me was seeing Carney Wilson on a talk show. She was such an inspiration. Then on Discovery Channel,I saw the procedure RNY filmed at Baylor Hospital here in Dallas. The surgeon featured was on my insurance. I contacted him and the rest is history.

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

Give detailed info on your struggles of weight loss. If you attend a seminar, be sure to bring ins inf and ID with you.

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

I was excited. He gave me so much enouragement, I could hardly wait for my surgery. I attended a seminar before meeting him personally, so I was well informed at my first visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing Carney Wilson, knowing her struggles with weight and her results. Also, seeing the procedure on Discovery Channel, so I knew what to expect.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt confident in the RNY, and wanted to have laporoscopic done. I felt this was the best for me.

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 did not fear much about complications, I felt the risk was worth it. I had complete confidence in my surgeon. I would tell people to think seriously about it. It took me 2 years to finally decide. I wish I had done it sooner.

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?

Very supportive, and happy. My sister also had surgery soon after me when she saw how well I was doing. Since my surgery, 3more persons also had procedure, I'm sure that they also had friends do it too.

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

I wasn't working at the time. However, a previous coworker saw me and had surgery done. The employer was completely supportive.

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

My hospital stay was excellent. It was supposed to be day surgery, but I wanted to stay overnight. For me it was a good idea for pain control and someone there if I needed anything. Just bring pajammas, insurance info, and follow any instructions for admission.

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

No surgical complications, just to the liquid Vicodin. It made me sick so I need med for nausea.

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

Tired at first. Was hard to keep food down at first. I had to learn what I could or could not eat. Liquids, then soft foods for a while. I felt happy seeing the weight melt off. I also felt better physically, looked better. It was really weird going shopping for clothes and not knowing what size to wear because I was getting trimmer not fatter!

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

Mostly mild discomfort. I had to take pain med occasionally, but not much. Expect to stay on liquids on whatever doctor tells you to do. Don't drink too fast, or gulp water. You'll get a stomach ache. Walk at least 5-10 min a day, then increase as you can. These first few weeks are the most important for weight loss because you are eating less.

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

I traveled about 20 miles from home. However, because of location, I did not like to travel at night for meetings. Now there are more locations for meetings I can participate in.

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.

First 2 wks, liquids,tea, broth, protein drinks. Important, get your proten. Best I've found is from WALMART called EAS LOW CARB DRINKS. They come in various flavors, ready mixed, and delicious. I had a hard time with all the various protein powders. Gag! Stay away from sugar..ice cream, even milk might make you sick because of lactose intolerance. Yougurt is great, so is cottage cheese.

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

Slow at first. Then movec around alot. Couldn't stand sitting around. Now walking 30 min. Any activity helps drop the pounds.

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

Tried liquid, hate it. Tried chewables. Hate it. Took 1 a DAy MV, SUBLINQUAL B12. Am considering triying the spray advertised in magazine.

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?

Vomiting, when I ate too much, didn't chew food enough. I bought a food processor to puree my meat, really helped. Dumping occurred when I ate certain milk products, ice cream, or even non fat milk. Had some hair loss, but corrected itself by increasing my proteing. REady made drinks are great.

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

The waiting for a date once I dedided to do it. Afterward, the first night of surgery was painful. It felt like I was punched in the stomach. By 3rd day actually felt pretty good.

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

I did not attend support group first time. I had another surgery 2 1/2 yrs later to repair a fistula. This time I will attend a support group. I might have learned about my problem sooner if I had done this. I'm thankful to have a second chance.

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

Beautiful! The incisions are so small from lapaproscope.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateau about 1 1/2 yrs out. I got frustrated, but also did not increase activity. Not again!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES, absolutely. I am taken more seriously, and feel attractive.