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

I heard of this surgery years ago on T.V. then about 2 years ago started doing my research on the internet. I thought at first it was too drastic but now I feel if that what it takes to live a normal life then thats what I'll do.

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

I thought it would be a nightmare because previously I had tried in 2002 and was told that the company didn't have that section of the Insurance coverage, then in 2003 another company took over and the Insurance changed slightly and BINGO they now have that section of the Insurance so I proceeded and got approved the first time around.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was fast and to the point. Make sure you have your guns loaded with questions and fire away.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that this was the way to go for me when after years of different dieting was having absolutly no effect. In the past I could slowly lose but then gain it right back, but then it got to where I couln't even lose no matter how strict I was.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first I wanted the lap band but was then told that there had been problems with the body rejecting a foriegn object and that after 6 years they have to take it out. I wanted something permanent.

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?

There are fears risk of complications whether you have a simple operation or a major one. There are fears and complications if you continue to go on being overweight.

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 knows that if I made my mind up on something like this that there is no talking me out of, so the only thing they could do was be supportive.

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

My boss was the best. I was so scared to ask for time off because I wasn't quite there a year yet, and that would only be a week, and I will probably be out for 2weeks. Very supportive.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. I was there from Wed. till Sat. I am the type that thinks she needs to pack every thing just in case, and I can honestly say I didn't need anything.

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

So far the only complication is where they put the drainage tube down my neck is sore and causes headaches.

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

From the time I got the approval and the date of my surgery was only 2 weeks. Didn't have much time to think too much about it. But a few days before the surgery I had some major nervous energy.

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

First couple of weeks were painful and need alot of help. Thank God for my husband and kids. It's getting much much easier now.

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

I traveled from east orlando to Ocala which took about two hours. It's a little difficult now to go to my follow up appointments, but I guess its worth the sacrifice.

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.

First couple of weeks of course only full liquid which are creamed soups and protien shakes, yogurts. The important thing is to measure your 2 oz and 4 oz and drink very slow.

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

Not much activity. Trying to get back to normal first. I have been on a couple of walks. I don't have much energy yet. I'm on my fourth week and taking vitamins.

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

I'm taking chewable Flinstone vitamins with B-12

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 nausia or dumping. I have vomited from eating fish too soon. My pouch wasn't ready for it yet. No hair loss yet.

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

The healing process and the emotional rollercoster you go through afterwards.

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

Just the web site and chat room form the web site. I haven't been able to make it to a meeting yet. Its very important to me. I wouldn't have gotten this far without them.

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

It's about 5 inches below my breast bone. I knew it would look the way that it does.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm only on my fourth week but my third week I slowed way down already. I'm kinda nervous about that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a little difference. They see me now rather than just passe me.