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

I had read up on it a little and watch a couple of specials. But really became interested watching my daughter struggle with her weight as a teenager and young adult. When we started talking about the surgery for her - she wanted to know why I wasn't talking about for me. Then at a wedding of a friend another friend we hadn't seen in a while raved about what it had done for her daughter. That pushed us both to start getting serious. The more I read, the more I discussed it with others and then getting on ObesityHelp help to convince me this was the right choice for both my daughter and I.

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

I had to hire a lawyer to fight for my approval and my daughter's approval. My insurance company pulled every trick in the book but once we got together on a telephone conference it all clicked in place. It was so stressful and took ten months from the first denial to approval.

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

Absolutely fantastic! He was great explained everything and even mapped the surgery out on the white board! I never had a fear about having my surgery after meeting him because he was so comfortable to talk about everything with. I would recommend Dr. Eric Vaughn of the Barix Clinic to everyone!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor I went to helped me make the decision to have an Open RNY and I believe it was the best decision for me.

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 thing I worried about was how I was going to deal in social settings with food. I have had surgery before and decided that I just needed to put my trust in my doctor. It might have been different if my daughter was not going to have surgery the same day as I was. So I was really more concerned about her. Once she was finished and he came and told me it was my turn and she was fine - I didn't have a worry in the world - ok it might have been some good drugs to....

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 and close friends were wonderful. I didn't tell a lot my co-workers because I didn't want to have to explain everything but when I came back to work and they figured it out - it was great.

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

I went in for surgery Wednesday morning and was released on Saturday morning. The entire staff was great they were so attentive to all of my needs but provided tough love when I needed the extra push to get moving. The most important things to bring are a positive attitude and a set of comfortable clothes to wear home.

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

No

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 really had not problems after surgery other than learning what and how much I could eat when I went back to eating solid foods.

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

For the first two weeks I was on liquids or pureed foods. The worst part of this was the variety. After a while you get tired of drinking the same stuff. So if possible make sure you have a lot of different types of qualifying foods to choose from.

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

My doctor and the hospital I went to was approximately three hundred miles from my home. It was a drive back and forth but well worth it considering my comfort level with the doctor and hospital. Once I made the decision to use the Barix Clinic I just planned on the driving distance and didn't worry about 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.

I can not eat refined sugar - so I carefully watch the sugar grams. Also I have found that not all Fried Chicken are the same. I can eat KFC only if it is freshly cooked - never reheated - just don't seem to tolerate it as well. The only other item that I can think of that causes me any problems is white rice and I just have to limit what I eat as if fills me up fast.

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

Probably could have returned to work after the first week but my husband wouldn't let me. But I honestly felt pretty good. Tried to walk as much as possible and not over do as I felt so good.

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

Chewable multi vitamins

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?

My hair got pretty thin around month three but is doing better now. Occasionally I have had nausea and vomiting but it usually only last a few minutes and then I go on with what ever I am doing. I have had only one incident of dumping and I can testify to feeling horrible during and after the incident. Sure makes me more aware of what I am eating as I don't want a repeat! I did have to have my Gall Bladder removed as it went from healthy to very un-healthy within the year after surgery but getting it removed helped right away.

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

Southern Illinois ObesityHelp Support Group I have been a member of this support group since before my surgery and it has helped me just to know the wonderful people involved. It is great having a group of people who understand all the worries and stresses that go along with weight loss and surgery.

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

A little over three inches long and looks great. I didn't worry about the scar as long as the doctor did his job right.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am experiencing a plateau right now but I am starting to increase my exercise in hoping of starting my weight loss again. I try not to worry about the scales so much and instead focus on how much better I feel.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel like I am more approachable now.