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

A friend of mine had the surgery and told me with my health issues that I would qualify for the surgery if I was really interested. I knew right then and there it was for me.

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

I didn't have any problems with getting approval. Dr. Overcash's office did it all.

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

The first meeting with Dr. Overcash was very informative. He was honest and up front. My husband went with me, and actually he had more questions than I did. He asked questions that I never thought of. Dr. Overcash answered all the questions honestly and up front. Didn't hide anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had sleep apena, acid reflux, and my feet hurt all the time. I wasn't getting any better, I hated sleeping with the machine, and I wanted to live longer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Dr. decided which proceedure I needed.

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?

The only fear I really had was that I might die on the table. I put my trust in the Lord and my surgeon. If I had to do it again I would and I don't really believe I would be scared. I had already made up my mind to have the surgery so if you are that far into don't be scared. Scared won't get you anywhere.

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?

I told my family and friends what I was going to do and they were all supportive of me. After the surgery my family is still very supportive. Especially my husband. He is there for everything for me. Even with the vomiting.

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 ok. I was there for 5 days. Actually all I needed was clothes to go home with cause they gave me everything else.

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?

In the weeks after the surgery it was a process of healing and learning how to eat sugar free jello and pudding and broth and liking it.

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

First few weeks I just sat around but I did start my walking program within the first week of being home.

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

About 80 miles. Didn't affect it.

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.

Well the first 6 weeks after the surgery I had sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, sugar free fudge bars, and broth from soups. You really get tired of these. By the end of the 6th week I could drink another drop of broth. I dislike soups, pudding and jello now. But that is ok. So far I am eating mashed potatoes, low fat cottage cheese. All I can eat so far at a meal is 2 teaspoons and I am full. I have managed to keep boiled, and or broiled chicken down too. Off limits is fried foods, sugars,spicy foods.

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

I am walking 2 miles a day now. In the begininng my husband would force me to do my walk, he would even walk with me. But now my activity level is higher than before the surgery, and it seems like it keeps getting better.

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

So far I have had one Vitamin B-12 shot (which really helped) and I chew 2 Flintstone Vitamins 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 am still experiencing vomiting,(when I eat the wrong foods) and dumping (when I don't read the labels). I cope with them because it is a learning experience.

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

The tube in my nose to my stomach. Ugh!!!! Plus the soreness in the incision.

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

I didn't have any support group. If I had one it would of been very helpful. I am only 7 weels out of the surgery and I could use some help. I feel alone, and wandering.

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

My scar healed very well. I put Vitamin E on it every day. I expected a longer incision. I am very happy with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet too early

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they act like I am fragile or I can't do this or that. If they only knew right. I am still the same person.