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

I heard about Carnie Wilson. First I thought is was only for the very rich. Then my husband started sending web pages to look at and I figured the insurance wouldn't pay and I couldn't afford it. Then I was really frightened to do it. It took me 5 months to get up my courage to make the first call.

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

I called and talked to them before hand to just discuss scenarios. When I told them my BMI and that I had sleep apnea, they virtually guaranteed coverage. 4 weeks later after my consult with the Dr., I had been approved. No probs.

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

This is documented elsewhere on the site. I will say do your homework and research. There are so many great sites out there!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Realizing my daugher needed help with her weight and that I would first have to help myself

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with my Dr's recommendation. I chose based on research.

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 really worried about dying. I guess I thought it would be my "punishment". I am a Christian, and I just prayed about it, and my fears disappeared. That was my sign that I had made the right choice.

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?

I just told my mom, my boss and my husband. I could have asked for more support. I intentionally didn't broadcast the news. I didn't want to have to defend my decision.

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

She was fine. I actually switched jobs with this. I told her up front about having to have surgery before I accepted the job.

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

Surprisingly OK. My husband is wonderful, so I'm very lucky. He stayed with me the whole time and did so much for me. The nurses at Vanderbilt are the BEST!! One of the nurses -- Evie or Edie, I can't remember, was so inspirational. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I am glad I brought makeup, etc. for cleaning up the day I went home (and also went to group).

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

zero complications. I had no problems. My stiches around the tube did start to pinch the last week before they were removed, however.

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 really walked a lot, but overdid it and was surprised at how tired I was. It was hard learning to pace myself, but I intentionally did a little more (not too much) everyday, and was amazed at how quickly my strength returend. I really had no anxiety after the surgery. My mom and husband were beyond supportive.

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

The first week I thought I was sorer than I should be. I really hated having to flush my tube and my husband helped with it. I found the concept of the tube in my body disgusting. After the 1 week checkup, I didn't have to flush anymore an that helped, but it was 2 more weeks before I got the tube out, and by then my stiches were really pinching. The minute the tube came out (3 weeks after leaving the hospital) I began to feel like a new person.

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

150 miles. I continue to travel than distance for checkups. I think its worth it as my care has been superb.

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.

Off limits (even now) carbonated beverages; sugar-based bevarages and desserts; fried foods;Beef and mixed processed meats like sausage, salami, pepperoni (exception, fat-free balogna); raw vegetables; Proceed with caution (now I'm beginning to eat these but wouldn't have earlier than my three months)beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and some nuts (I watched the intake amounts here because they are a high-fat item); a few grated raw carrots in my salad; salad greens, etc; strawberries

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

Vanderbilt has a group that meets on Fridays. I attend when I'm up for a meeting. My husband and I talk a lot about all the changes. Also, I have a bariatric physician here where I live, and she's a great sounding board.

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

Well I guess I didn't read the literature well enought on this one becaue it was 1/3 longer than I expected!! My scar is healed but the flesh is still bright pink.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had anyyet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think it's me acting differently rather than other people, I finally realized that in my case a lot of my obesity attitudes where in MY head. Realizing that was a great epiphany for me. It opened doors and new ways of looking at things that before I could never have imagined.