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

I heard of it through my primary care doctor, the tv, and from conversations with other obese females. I avoided it for years because of the risks.

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

I was approved for surgery upon my first application. I suggest that each person have a detailed list of all the diets they have been on, both supervised and unsupervised. They they write a letter stating why they feel they should be allowed this surgery. This letter must be as honest and indepth as possible (with no hold backs). Make sure your pcp lists all of your ailments, medications, and the need for your surgery.

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

My surgeon gave a power point session first. After getting the papers needed, I had my first private visit with him. It was very good. He was very upfront and frank with me concerning this surgery. It was as if he wanted me to be sure that this was what I really wanted. He went over the procedures of the surgery and I got to ask whatever questions could come to mind. I suggest that a prospective candidate be up front and ask as many questions as they can think of. Even if it seems small or meaningless.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not go on "not living" any longer. Too many pains, too much depression, fear of leaving my family because of my obesity.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After much research on the different procedures, this was the one I felt best met my needs. My surgeon agreed.

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?

Of course the fear of dying was always there, but the fear of dying and not trying to have the surgery was greater. It's human to fear the unknown, but it is wise to trust that God will bring you through. My life is in the Lord's hands. He opened the doors for me to have this surgery. Since He did, I believed that He would carry me through, and He has. Think of your life before this surgery... then think of the positive life change having it would make. It has been well worth the challenge for me.

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 of my family were very skeptical. Once I explained my feelings, most of them were supportive. My children were very supportive. Those who were not, I did not debate with or press the issue. Since my surgery, I have only had raised eyebrows from the non-believers (but they have crossed over and seen the wonderful changes in me). I have very supportive people around me.

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

I have been disabled since 1999 and therefore there is no answer for that. I remain out of work as of the present.

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

My stay was fine. I had surgery on a Tuesday and I went home on Friday. I took my brush, comb, and a robe. Everything I needed was pretty much supplied for me. I had taken my own liquid soap, but the smell made me ill.

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

I had no complications from the surgery.

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 felt really tired for a while. I didn't want to do alot of drinking, but I did force myself. Since I do have chronic back pain, I dealt with that as best I could. I was given pain medication and it helped a bit. I did not have to take that medication for too long. I had a few crying spells, but it was expected.

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

When I first got home, I was a little weak, but all in all it was ok. I was able to go up and down the stairs, go to bathroom on my own. I did need help getting up and down but that didn't last too long. Other than feeling a bit tired, I cant think of any thing special. Just keep in mind that you have to try to get in your protein and water. To get stronger we must do what we must do.

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

Less than 3 miles away from my home.

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.

At first I could only have clear liquids. Later it was pureed foods, then soft foods, and then regular foods. The thing was to make sure we chew things thoroughly. I had trouble drinking my water for awhile. I got full really fast, but I never dumped. I stay away from sugary things and breads. As of now, I still avoid breads and alot of sugary things. I can tolerate tuna, chicken, fish, turkey, hotdogs, rice, vegetables, and just about everything else I've tried. I see no real limitations in 4 months. Of course everything is within reason.

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

My activity level flucturated for awhile.

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

I take multi-vitamins, calcium, potassium, and get a B-12 shot each month.

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?

My worst was about 2 weeks out. I didn't want to drink or eat anything. It seemed that the water or whatever would just sit on the top of my stomach. I also stayed constipated. Spoke with my doc and he prescribed a suppository and it worked every time.

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

I guess the worst part was waiting for it.

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

I visit my surgeon and pcp on a monthly basis. I have been to the support group of my docs. I am always on obesityhelp.com for support and information. My family are a good support group.

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

It is about 2 inches long. It is actually much smaller than I had thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had many times when it seemed the scale didn't move. My last visit to the docs showed only a 4 pound loss. However, he explained to me that I had actually lost 15 pounds of fat but gained 11 pounds of muscle mass. That averaged out. I cant say I've had any plateau because I have lost so many inches when I didn't see the scale move.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I see them expected me to do more for myself.