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

I found out about bariatric surgery 3 years ago while looking at this documentary on TLC about the RNY surgery.

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

The insurance company has been more than nice. The only thing to make sure that you get approved is make sure that you give them everything that they ask for.

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

Dr. Suddereth was very through and I love his technique that he is going to use on me. I had written questions down to ask he patiently sat there and answered each and everyone of them. We talked for about an hour and a half. I appreciated that seriously.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I wasted all of that money on the of the other diet products and I had nothing to show for it. Also my blood pressure has been out of control lately and I just want it to end.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY-distal; I did much research on this. The RNY has been around since the 60's. They have had so much time to perfect this procedure.

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 am just anxious. My only nervous thing is hoping that there will be no leaks. I would tell someone who is having those same fears is to make sure that they have put their entire life in God's hand!

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 mom was very scared for me, but after she saw that I was not going to back down..she gave me her full support and told me that she was in my corner. My father was very supportive and told me that he just wants me to be happy and healthy. Some of my friends had a negative reaction and others were very supportive. Esecially my supervisor he was 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?

Very supportive and was very happy for me. They are looking forward to the results.

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 4 days. My stay was wonderful! The ICU and the floor nurses were great. They were very efficient in getting me everything that I needed. The most important things to bring with you is a pillow or teddy bear from home, a robe, maxi pads, and slippers. The hospital provided everything else.

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

No complications what so ever. My surgeon says that I was a model patient.

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

The first two weeks I felt as if I had been ran over by a train. By the 4th week I felt way better than I did before the surgery. I felt crazy from the birth control patch. I had to get off it because it was hurting my legs and making me very moody.

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

People should expect to feel a somewhat depressed, moody, and wondered why in the hell they did this to themselves. One must remember that that too shall pass and soon they will be a ball of energy.

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

I traveled 30 miles to Vicksburg, MS for my surgery. It has not affected my after care at all.

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 was on liquids the first 2 weeks then upgraded to pureed foods the following week, the 5th week I started eating pretty much anything except steak and ground beef.

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

The 3 weeks it took me a while to really walk, but by the 4 th week I could do vigorous walking and then by the 5th week I life light weights and walk 4 miles at a time.

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

I take a liquid vitamin that has all of my daily requirements such as B-12 and calcium.

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 only been nauseous once from food and that was because it was way too spicy. I also notice that I get nauseous when its past due time for me to eat.

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

The worst part was when I realized that food was no longer my friend and that I had to learn to cope with my problems through spiritual guidance.

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

I attend 2 support group meeting a month and I do a lot of reading. It is very vital to me to ensure that I do this to help me use my tool to the max.

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

I have 7 laporoscopic incisions. They are fading nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am experiencing a major plateau at this time. I got pregnant 3 months out from surgery and had a normal size healthy baby girl. I have lost all of the weight I gained from my pregnancy, but nothing in excess. I have been exercising and doing as ordered, but nothing works at this time. I have thought about a revision. I will be visiting my surgeon for the last time in December....

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are starting to really notice me and they gush about how good I look. Its also a big ego booster that more and more are noticing that my inside and outside is starting to match up.