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

I first learned about it when Carney Wilson came out about it years ago. My initial impression was WOW, but I thought you had to have money to do it,or have great insurance which i had neither at the time.

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

My experience was great. I had no problem at all. Only thing I needed was for Dr. Shin to write a letter stating that I was morbid obese.My advice to people is to do what I did.After you attend the seminar and decide for sure you want it call your insurance co. to see if they will cover it.If so see what all you need to make the transaction go smoothly.Then during your 1st. consultaion let the Dr. know what your insurance requires. they will take care of the rest.

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

My first meeting was good. Dr. Shinn told me to lose weightbefore surgery and try weight watchersjust in case my insurance changed there minds and would say I had to have a program and be in it 3 months. That was not what i wanted to hear so at first I was dissapointed. The more I thought about it Dr. Shin was right.If it is not the news you want to heardon't get discouraged.Because your surgeon is only looking out for you. to get the most out of your 1st. meeting just listen very carefully and take what your Dr. tells you in a positive manner.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I got on the scales and i was around 340lbs. and getting bigger. I felt bad and had no energy. I knew then I had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It wasn't hard to decide which procedure to have done after I did research. I thought RNY Gastric Bypass was the best way to go.

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 fear, but death is the chance you take any time you go under. I knew someone who passed away from this surgery and it did scare me. In case something did happen to me I had got all my affairs in order and had several long crying talks t6o GOD. Put your trust in your surgeon as well as GOD.

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 family and friends were very supportive and then others wern't. it seemed like the ones who weren't had never been overweight in there life and did't have a clue what it was like to be big. No I would not of communicated anything differently. After surgery the ones who were supportive before were estatic for me, and the ones who weren't are now.

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

I work for Wal*Mart the managers there were very supportive and just said take as much time as I needed to get well just let them know. When I became approved I told them they were happy for me if that is what i wanted. I was off work for a month and 1 week, but that is because i do alot of lifting and bending at Wal*Mart. If I had a desk job I would of been back to work within 2 weeks or less.

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

My stay was wonderful the staff was great and treated my family and myself with respect. Only thing I did not like was that as time went on and when it was time for my pain medicine and I really needed they spreaded the time out like it was suppose to every 4 hours then on the 2nd day it went to 6 hours then to 8 hours. I was not happy. I was in the hospital for 3 days, but on the 3 day i got to go home. Bring a house coat and samples like shampoo, conditioner, etc. don't forget your deodorant as well as your hair brush.

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

no complicatons at all. Just the typical sorness.

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 got a call on Monday saying i had been approved and had my surgey in Thursday. I coped with the anxiety by getting my affairs in order and doing alot of praying to GOD.

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

It was hard my first few weeks. My husband took the first week off with me and i thank GOD for that beacuse I could not shower my self or even go to the bathroom by myself. Expect to be in pain, alot of pain. Don't try to do it on your own ask for help because you will need it.

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

I only had to travel 15 to 20 minutes to the hospital and the same distance home.

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

Energy like crazy you will want to walk and do exercises, but don't over do it.

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

I take a mulivitiamin, presription pepcid, as well as gall blader medicine so I won't get gallstones.

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

The worst thing for me was after surgery I was so sore and it hurt to move. I had never ever had any surgey before. I stayed sore for a couple of weeks.

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

I just don't have one big scar I have 6 small scars. I am happy with my scars they get small all the time. My scars are what I expected, because i had did research on my procedure. I would rather have 6 small scars than 1 big one.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Since I have now lost a 100 lbs. and only 89 days out. Men look at me more the ones who would never speak to me speak all the time. I get compliments everyday several times a day.People seem to treat me better.