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

My mother brought it up to me a year ago. I though how could she ask me to do something so "Frankenstein"?? I was apalled she asked me such a thing. Later that year, a woman at my church had it done. I kept hearing the horrible stories of the pain she endured and for months, saw her in a wheelchair........which reaffirmed what I had thought of the surgery!

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

Painless. About 10 days after the letter was sent from the doctor's office, I called - got the name of a rep - and made an absolute pest of myself!! The squeaky wheel really does get the oil.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Butler was at a support group meeting. It was very informative, I had my questions answered - was able to meet with others who had the surgery, which helped eliminate any fears I may have had. The best way to get the most out of their first meeting is to ask questions. Anything that's bothering you - ask. No question is stupid. You'll feel much better going into surgery fully armed with answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I sat next to my mother, burst into tears and said, "I'm tired of being fat."

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Word of mouth. My mother works in a plus size consignment shop and these women were coming in with massive weight losses. They told her and she told me. It was the only procedure I researched.

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?

No fears at all. I knew God lead me to Dr. Butler and that Dr. Butler was God's choice for my surgeon, so I knew I was going to be fine.

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, friends and co-workers were very supportive! At first I was embarrassed to tell my co-workers, figuring they'd just say "just diet" but when it came out, everyone was so encouraging, they were excited for me!

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

I told the truth, that I was going to have bariatric surgery. My supervisor was very supportive and happy for me. And applauded my decision, and bravery! I was out of work for 5 weeks, then came back for 1/2 days for 2 weeks.

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

The hospital was Palms of Pasadena - and they have a special bariatric wing, which is wonderful! It was nice to be with a group of women who just had the same operation - we all knew what each other had gone through and cheered each other on as we made the slow walks up and down the hallway for exercise! I was in the hospital for two days only! Bring nothing - you won't get out of your hospital gown.

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

No complications.

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 feel great! I've never felt healthier in my life! I now work out on the treadmill at work during lunch and walk 2.5-3 miles in one hour! This is from a woman who got short winded walking from her desk to the bathroom.

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

I was a little nervous - but only because I was afraid of popping a staple or something! Be realistic about what to expect afterwards - sure it's going to be slow moving and maybe a little awkward, but just imagine what your poor body had gone through! Be patient with yourself. Ask for help from those around you.

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

The hospital was just 5 minutes from my house.

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.

In the beginning, Dr. Butler places his patients on a very stringent diet. The first week is clear liquids only. The second week is solid liquids, i.e.: cream soups, Carnation instant breakfast. The third week is pureed foods and the final week is introducing solid foods slowly!! The key to this diet is to baby your new pouch - it's been through a lot! I'm doing terriffic with solids, although I haven't tried red meat yet. A little problem with rice, but I'm sure I'll conquer that in no time. Couldn't tolerate "meaty" fruits such as watermelon, tomatoes....... I'm now 9 weeks post op - and if I can chew it and tolerate it, I can eat it!! Naturally I avoid high caloric foods and sugar.

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

Started out walking. First walking around the house, then ventured out. Walked the mall and around the block. Now I'm up to 3 miles per day - 7 days a week!! And I used to get winded walking to the ladies room at work!

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

Just a multivitamin twice a day.

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 had NO side effects!!! I felt wonderful.

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

The worst part? The waiting! I was so excited about the possibility of a new life........I couldn't wait for my surgery date.

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

Dr. Butler has a support group once a month for his pre and post op patients. I attend because I want to help people who are where I was not long ago. As a pre op attendee - it was VERY important as I had a lot of questions to ask. Even as a post op attendee, I still find it helpful.....I can ask people who are longer post-op what to expect regarding weight loss and plateaus!

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

About 8 inches straight up! It's smaller then I expected......and besides, what's the big deal about a scar that no one is going to see, when you compare it to the emotional scars inflicted by society on an obese person? There's no comparison - the emotional scars are uglier and go deeper.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After my first month, for two weeks I only lost one pound. It was very disheartening! During my last visit, Dr. Butler told me not to worry about the numbers - they'll take care of themselves. That the body is turning the fat tissue into fluid - and sometimes the plateau is because of water.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY!!! All of a sudden people see me - funny for someone so fat, I was invisible. Now I'm getting noticed all the time! Strangers tell me what a beautiful face - friends tell me how confident I seem.