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

I remember seeing a commercial years and years ago on tv. A lady was crying and saying she was afraid she was going to eat herself to death. It was an advertisement for the bariatric centers back in the 90's.

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

K E E P T R Y I N G!!!!!!!!!!! The first time I applied, I was denied. After several years and almost an extra hundred pounds on my 5'4" frame, I decided I wasn't taking no for an answer. Every person I came in contact with I started the conversation with "just so u know, I'm not taking no for an answer", and I didn't. Neither should you!!!!!!

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

Ask questions and more questions. If you don't understand an answer, then ask another question!!!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at the ripe young age of 40!!!! Plus the fact that I was tired of carrying around an extra 200 pounds!!!!!!! I didn't eat enough to weigh as much as the scale said I weighed. I worked out and still do (5 days a week). So enough was enough!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose UofM Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan and together we came to the decision to have the bypass.

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?

This is a difficult question for me. Mainly because once I decided I wasn't taking no for an answer, I had no fear. I know that sounds extremely arrogant, cocky even. But I truly had no fear whatsoever. I was so excited and anxious, I decided to hold on to those fears and let my friends and family do my worrying for me. I know that may sound strange, but to this day, I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.

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 folks were very very scared and nervous about the procedures. My kids were terrified, but knew I had made up my mind, so all in all they were very supportive. My sister Patty and friend Donna were the best. They were my rocks!!!! I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

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

My immediate supervisor was very supportive. I was off work less than 2 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

The weight loss seminar I attended was exremely helpful in deciding to have my revision. After hearing Dr Kerry Kole speak of his dedication to the needs of bariatric patients, my decision was an easy one.

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

When I had my first surgery in 2005, the hospital I chose was not at all ready for bariatric patients. At St John's Oakland my stay couldn't of gone better. The staff and everyone I came in contact with was WONDERFUL!!!!! Dr Kole is top notch and would HIGHLY recommend him and his wonderful program. Bring something to read and slippers for your post op walks.

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

No complications from the surgery, all in all it went well. I had it laproscopically (sp????)

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

As I stated before, I had very little anxiety. I was just so thrilled it was going to be finally happening. The only concern I had, was that perhaps it would be cancelled for some reason.

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

Once home, you should have someone there to assist you. Whether you have open surgery or the lap procedure as I did. I got stronger on a daily basis, but you have to move very very slowly. This time is for you, let someone else take care of you for a change.

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

Not far, less than 20 miles.

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.

all fluids for the 1st 2 weeks. Then I moved on to the pureed part. That was fun, it was kinda interesting to experiment. Pasta made me and (still does) makes me feel totally and completely sick to my stomach for hours after eating it. Whole kernel corn affects me the same way, as does beef and pork. It seems any tougher cuts of meat that are harder to digest, bother my stomach. So I stick to chicken, turkey, ground (lean)beef, turkey franks, that sort of thing.

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

Slow at first. But every day I felt a tad stronger and stronger. By the end of the 10th day I was back at the gym, riding the stationary bike for 20 mins.

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

I still drink my protein shakes 3 times a day, take my calcium supp's and my vitamins twice a day since the surgery.

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 still have nausea, vomitting on occasion if I eat something I'm not supposed to. It's almost 6 months since my surgery and I haven't had sugar yet. I'm actually afraid of it. I still lose handfuls of hair, so much so that I wash my hair every other day as opposed to everyday. No big deal considering all the other benefits of the surgery.

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

Drinking the yucky fluid the day after to check my suture line. It's kinda hard to describe unless you've experienced it.

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

One of my nutritionists, Shannon called the day after I returned home just to check on me. That made me feel very special. Any time I have a question they are always there for me.

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

I have a few small scars on my belly. I call them my "poke" holes. Like I said before, small price to pay considering the benefits.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This is now 2011, I'm 2wks post op from my bariatric revision. I had gained almost 94 pounds back since my first procedure back in 2005. Everything is different this time, including my dedication to ME.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people treat me nicer. They don't look at me as though I have some sort of disease.