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

My friend/co-worker had the surgery over 15 years ago. I think it is a very drastic measure to take but some of us need to do it.

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

Getting approval will be a lot faster if everyone knew what is needed. Maybe the doctors initial packet should tell all that an upper G.I is needed the gall bladder checked and so on. If all is done ahead of time then it only takes a few weeks to get everything passed by the insurance company. I started in February and the surgery was in October, I wish I knew then what I know now.

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

Dr Thoburn is very direct.....a no nonsense type of guy at first. He answers all your questions without hesitation. The more questions you ask the better you will know and feel about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was my only way to save my life. If I wasn't a diabetic I probably would not have had the surgery and I wouldn't have gained all the weight that I gained. I am now very thankful that I have gone through it and I can move on.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I like sweets so I was told staples would be the best 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 had fears like everyone has when one is about to go under the knife. I prayed a lot. I figured if my maker wanted me then that is what would be. I asked my doctor how many people died under his care and he told me. I listened to the doctor and nursed afterward so the problem of clotting wouldn't take my life. Get up and walk a lot, even if it hurts.

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?

Family and friends are wonderful....before and after. I wouldn't change a thing that I have said or done.

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

I told my boss that surgery was scheduled for such a date and he said ok. When the date came he said good luck, take it easy and we will see you when you get back. I was out just short of 6 weeks.

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

North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. is a wonderful place. I was in on Monday and out on Friday. Bring a robe so you can walk to halls.

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

No compications at all.

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

Getting out of bed is not fun, other than that it just takes time to heal. Walking was very hard for me at first. I wasn't breathing right due to the pain of walking and when I sat down I would talk a huge gulp of air and it hurt.

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

Pain at first but it gets better all of a sudden. Walk a lot and follow all at home instructions when it comes to your diet.

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

I was a lucky girl.....I live less than ten miles from the hospital.

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 can't eat grits at all and it's 8 weeks now. I was able to eat a fried egg, not scrambled but not anymore. I have no problem with turkey, but fish (not tuna fish) and chicken bother me. I love cheese and peanut butter crackers.

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

Days after surgery I didn't do much at all. By the third week I wanted to do alot.

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

B-12 shots from the doctor and flintstone chewable with iron.

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?

Week 4-8, vomiting but it's getting better. week 4, hair thinning but it is getting better also.

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

Getting the staples and tube out at one month. The tube was painful to remove.

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

Gainesville has a support group and everyone should go. It is so helpful in answering all your questions and you make new friends along the way.

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

My scar is bigger than I thought it would be. I hope it fades. My scar is 5".

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, truthfully I get alot of guys checking out my rear end. There seems to be more smiles coming my way.