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

I first heard about bariatric surgery when Carnie Wilson had it done. I thought it was a way not I would not be interested in but in researching this I am very excited about it. Reading all of the successes are just so neat.

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

I first went to my primary card doctor and talked with him about it. Since he has known about my problem and I have been seeing him for 12 years. He said that he has heard of many successes and was all for it. I would recommend that if you have a regular doctor, talk to him and have him write you a letter to send in with your insurance papers. Fill out all of the weightloss programs that you have tried and failed. Be very complete about filling out all of your papers that are to be submitted for approval.

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

I had been to a seminar first which is required before you can make an appointment with your surgeon. I think that kind of wittles out someone who is just checking into surgery and may change their mind. My first visit was fine. He explained to me about the surgery that he does and asked what questions I may have. Write a list of questions you may have to ask him. Everything was basically explained to me and all questions were answered when he told me about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

So many failures previously and felt like this was the answer. I know this is just a tool, but I want to make it work. I go to a support group and just seeing what the surgery has accomplished for everyone has given me hope

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the laproscopic Roux-en-Y because of the time it takes to heal. Much faster then Roux-en-Y open, but there may be a chance I could have the open if there was a problem during surgery.

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?

Have faith in GOD. I am not afraid. I am afraid of gaining more weight if I don't have the surgery and other health problems it would cause

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 husband and kids were very supportive. My Mom was scared about me having it done, but when I came home from the hospital she could not believe how well I did. We went shopping a couple days later. Also I joined Curves 3 weeks after surgery. I feel great

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

Housewife.

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

I went into the hospital on Tuesday Morning and got out on Sunday. I had to stay in a few days longer because of a fever I had. All the nurses were great. Could not have asked for a better hospital. I brought a book/ magazines/ gown/robe/long wooden spoon. This sound gross, but I could not reach around to wipe myself, so I put a rubber glove around the spoon part and then wrapped tissue around that. Saved . At first they helped me and then it was up to me to clean myself.

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

NONE

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 felt like I was ready to get on track with weight loss. No anxiety. Just take each day one at a time.

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

When I got home I just rested in my recliner, which I slept in for a few days. Easier to get up then to get up out of bed. Just took it easy

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

I live 45 miles south of Nashville. Took about an hour to get there. Aftercare is the same distance.

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 week I drank a gross product called Isopure. I could not drink it past 4 days. I had some samples called fruit nector I had send for and it saved me. Pretty tasty. The second week I had Spirutein. Pretty good.Like a shake Had chocolate. Had to divide into 5 servings and put in the freeze. Ate with a spoon when frozen.

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

I joined Curves and kept walking.

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

I take two childrens chewable vitamins, tropical oasis liquid calcium. coramega fish oil, B-12,

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?

I have started having some hair loss. This is month 4 check up today. Don't know how long the hair loss will last. Soon I hope.

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

Not being able to drink anything after surgery and had to drink some fluid to make sure there were not leaks in my stomach and then x-ray it.

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

I do belong to a support group about 20 miles from me. It is very important to me to be able to talk with others who have had this surgery.

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

I had laproscopic surgery, so I have a few little scars. No big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet