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

My orthopedic doctor told me about the program and I was impressed with the new procedures.

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 getting approval for surgery. We have One Nation and they approved me within 2 weeks of my phsych evaluation. I am now 4 years out and I have lost 280 pounds. I need a full body lift but my insurance ( BC/BS of MI ) will only pay for the tummy. The rest they say is cosmetic because I don't have the rashes and nasty infections associated with the excess skin. I keep myself clean but I have between 25 and 30 pounds of excess skin. Sitting on my bottom is like sitting on rolling pins.

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

It was short and exact. I had all my questions written down before going. Dr Tom(Geokaris) was all business as to what was going to happen and how I was goig to feel. He was very open about everything. He explained all the risks yet was very comforting and positive in his attitude.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was confident that definite strides had been made to make this a much more reliable surgery than in years past. The people on the web site and their stories. I want to be a part of my family again and felt the risk was worth it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Tom suggested the open distal rny because of my weight and the fact that it would be the best and most beneficial 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 can honestly say I wasn't afraid of either complications or dying. I put my life in the hands of my surgeon and God and once I had made the decision i was fine. I felt if there were complications I would deal with them then. I wasn't going to woryy and invite trouble.

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 and friends have been 100% supportive of me from the very beginning. I have my own private cheering section for each and every step of my new life. They are all very happy for me.

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

I am a housewife.

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

I was in the hospital for 8 days. I weighed 435lb the day of surgery and my doctor wanted to make sure everything was fine before she released me because I live 2 1/2 hrs from the hospital.I couldn't have asked for better care if I had wanted to.The bed I had was special ordered for me due to my size and it was godsend.I made some very special friends with some of my nurses but they were all very caring and very non judgemental. They were also very encouraging towards me and my journey,constantly reminding me that it will be so much better as each day goes by.I din't use anything I brought with me except my toothbrush. They had everything else I needed there.

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

I had no complications from surgery. Dr.Tom had said it would probably take 4-41/2 hrs. It took 2 hrs. I did have some pretty intense pain in my right shouldar from the gas given to me with the gall bladder removal. That lasted about week. That pain lasted longer than the surgery pain. I am 4 years out now and have never had any complications.

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 only had a month from date to surgey. I didn't worry about it. I got the things done I needed to before I went and then just enjoyed my family.

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

I am only 18 days out now but I feel great. I have a tendency to overdo because I feel so good. I still don't have my energy back but it is getting better everyday. My biggest problem is my joints and that has nothing to do with the surgery.

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

I went 21/2 hrs from my home for my surgery. It is not a problem for me. I had all my pre surgery stuff done there and I don't mind the travel fro after care. It does make for a long tiring day right now but after I get my strength back it will be fine.

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 still on pureed foods right now. I have a meeting in 2 weeks with my nutritionist for the next level of food. I am 4 years out so I eat pretty much whatever I can tolerate. I do have problems with meat but I really enjoy fish. Fresh vegetables that are crispy give me problems and I can't eat salads. I can eat some bread but not a lot. I DO NOT tolerate grease at all. On the other hand I am not lactose intolerant and I tolerate sugars well so I can enjoy a milk shake or dish of ice cream or even a candy bar without having any problems.

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

I am still only walking at this point in time. Exercise and lifting are still off limits. I know when I overdo it I get tired still but that is getting better everyday.My energy and activity levels improved with every month of weight loss. I had both of my hips replaced in 2006. This was in part to my weight but also to genetics. You can't keep me down now. I am on the go constantly....no walker,no cane,just me and my own 2 feet. It is truely like being reborn now.

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

I take Viactiv....Bugs Bunny and Vitamin b12. I also takea protein supplement 3 times a day.I still take Viactiv (2 a day) Bugs BUnny chewables (2 a day ) and sublingual B-12 (i200 mg ).I still have to take zocor for cholesterol as that is a genetic thing for me but other than that I take advil for my arthritis pain.

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 haven't had any of these problems yet. I guess I am to new.After 4 years the only problem I ever had was occasional dumping when I eat to much grease. I just lay down and wait it out. I know what to stay away from so that isn't even a problem. I did have a little hair loss but even that wasn't as bad as I was expecting....Luckily.

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

The first 3 days after surgery.

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

I have not started a program yet. I never did get involved with an after support group but I highly recommend it. I had my own private support group....MY WHOLE FAMILY and all of my friends.

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

It blends in with my other stretch marks perfectly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.......I'm just getting started. I never did hit a plateau during my journey.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. The only differential treatment I get now is when people don't recognize me. I have lost 280 pounds since my surgery.