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

I saw a show on TLC about 2 persons having the surgery. I watched the show and thought that the surgery seemed very drastic. I was not sure I would ever want to do such a thing.

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

I had my PCP send Ohio State Medicaid Board my medical records along with a letter from her telling them why she thought I was a good candidate for the surgery. I also included a letter from myself telling them what I wanted to gain from the surgery as well as what a typical day in the life of "Missy" was like. I was very lucky and got approved in about three months. Let the insurance people know about yourself and what your "quality of life" is like as an obese person.

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

Make sure you take any and all questions you have with you to the visit. My visit went very well. Dr. Needleman actually answered two thirds of my questions before I even asked them! I think it went well. I was impressed with his knowledge about WLS. He did not condemn me for being obese and I was happy about that.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The day my son came home from soccer practice telling me about a boy on the team who was making fun of me. I felt bad for myself and was embarassed but I also felt bad for my son. I did not want him to be embarassed by his mother.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had heard people talk about LAP versus OPEN RNY and I knew that LAP sounded much easier for me. I was not interested in the band since I was so very large.

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 was afraid that I would never wake up. I also feared getting blood clots and dying. I wanted to live - to be with my kids. It was a very hard decision. I actually regretted having the surgery for the first 3 weeks but am now 5 weeks post-op and know I made the right decision. This website was my best means of support. I got so many mesages from people wishing me luck. They were praying for me and pulling for me. I was so thankful and still am! Have faith in your surgeon, pray, KNOW that you are making the right decision. Realize that this is the beginning of a new life. Just HAVE FAITH!!!

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 husband has been behind me 100%. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful, caring man! He never left my side while I was in the hospital. My Mother was not real happy about my decision. She had fears that I would not make it, but here I am!!! She has been very supportive since surgery. My friends all think I made the right decision. If everyone can put up with these crazy mood swings I am having, then things will work out!

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

I was out of work for 3 1/2 weeks. They were very supportive and have continued to be. They want to be sure I am well before I come back to work. I am thankful that they have been so understanding about all this. The day before surgery they sent me $50.00 so I could take the day off to spend with my kids. We went to lunch then went to the gift shop and bought ourselves a little something. It was very kind and thoughful!

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

My hospital stay was fair. I had one nurse named Bridgette who was so sweet and caring. I just loved her. The others acted like they did not want to be bothered with me. I was only in the hospital for 2 days. I was not feeling up to leaving the hospital and really think I should have waited another day. Things to bring? The things I used that I brought were my hairbrush, a mirror, address book with phone numbers, phone card, and chapstick!

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

None

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 was very anxious. I ended up with terrible tension headaches the week before surgery and got pretty scared. My PCP gave me nerve medication to calm myself down. I ate alot and stayed busy with my family.

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

The surgeon had said I would have no problem doing stairs but that was NOT true. I had to get a hospital bed for the first 5 nights home because I could not get upstairs to go to bed or to shower. I felt fairly well but everything was so new to me and very confusing! Was it 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup!?!?!?

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

I had to travel about 75 miles to get to OSU. The ride home from the hospital was AWFUL!!! I really want to attend support meetings but it is so far to drive for 1 hour a month, especially at night and alone!

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 have become lactose intolerant since surgery so milk has not been my friend! I still ahve problems getting in all the protein I need. I obsessed about protein during the first 2 weeks and it wasn't that necessary! I still have a hard time with meat also. This is still the learning process for me.

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

I have been walking a few days a week but that is about all I have tried to date.

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

I took 2 children's chewable vitamins a day for the first two weeks, then the surgeon put me on Prenate at my last vist.

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 noticed a lot of nausea which is my biggest problem. Many foods make me sick at my stomach then I do not feel like eating. If I eat too fast I dump.

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

The day after surgery! I was so sore and felt so bad! I just wanted to crawl under a rock and die.

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

I have had none and this is a big let down. I really feel the need to talk, learn and share with others. I am in Athens, Ohio and am really thinking about starting a support group in this area.

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

My scars are very small. I am very pleased with them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None to date. Am 5 weeks post-op to date.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nope.