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

I first remember seeing a special on one of the News shows and thinking that I would never be able to live like that. Then in 1999 my boyfriend (now husband) had the surgery done in Hackensack, NJ. He had some complications and I thought to myself that it isn't worth it for me. It took me 5 years to prepare for the thought of the surgery. I felt that my mind, body and soul had to be in line with each other and before I knew it I was going in for a consult.

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

It was nerve racking. We had a good insurance and I was all set in doing the things required by the clinic then my husband lost his job. :( I started over from scratch with a new insurance company which meant referrals and just prayed that they would accept it. Word could not describe my excitement when I got the EOB letter in the mail saying that I was covered. I cried. I was finally ready for the new me. My advice is be patient. MOST not all insurances will cover the surgery but they want to prove that you have tried and failed with other weight loss programs before.

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

I was SO excited for my consult. My life is going to change forever (and it has begun already). My advice is to be educated and ask a lot of questions. My Dr. had no probelms answering ANY and ALL of my questions. When you leave the consult you should feel comfortable and ready to plan your next step.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Timing. The support of my family and friends. I needed a more powerful source to help me lose weight and Dr. Marymore was that source to me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Dr. does not do the lap. I just felt more comfortable with having the open surgery.

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?

Because I live in NJ and had the surgery in PA and my family lives in Boston, Chicago and New Hampshire. I was afraid of dying because I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to my mother(my best friend),the rest of my family, my husband and all of my friends. I was afraid of any and all complications. You really have to be at ease. The complications from the surgery can pass however if you don't have the surgery and didn't lose the wight look at the complications you will have for the rest of your life. I was at peace with my decision and knew it would be the hardest yet best decision of my life. By the way I have had NO (not 1) complication from the surgery.

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 mom was scared. She didn't want me to do it. However she did support me and that is what meant the most to me. The rest of my family and my friends voiced their opinons but I researched everything and I was educated about what I was going to do. What really ticks me off is people saying that having surgery is the easy way out. I don't belive that in any way, shape or form and it really bothers me to think that people really do feel that way (even some big people). It is your decision to have the surgery and if you chose to tell people that is what you did then just be prepared to hear the "negative remarks".

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

My bosses were very supportive of my decision to do this. People tend to hear the bad things about everything (especially the surgery) just be prepared to hear negative things. I have been out of work since April 25, 2006 (the day before my surgery). I was laid off the week after my surgery (Don't feel bad I knew it was coming any way).

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

The Barix Clinic was FANTASTIC. The staff was great. I was there for 3 days they were going to let me go on day 2 but I wanted to stay one more day. Bring a piece of mind with you and your strong will. Phone #'s and a cell phone if they allow it so that you can pass the time if people are not able to come and see you.

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

I am proud to say that I have had NO complications due to 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?

I felt great. I know that my decision was the right one. I try to write in a journal daily it keep my mind going. Make sure that you look to the positive things in the near future it kept me going.

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

The first few weeks went slowly for me because I was restricted as far as eating but I knew that if I didn't keep my mind off the next step in the process I could have done something stupid (ie eating before you should). I had and still have a lot of support. Make sure that you surround yourself with positive things.

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

Barix Clinic of PA was about 1/2 hour 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.

I can still eat meats (chicken and beef). I have not tried pork yet. I was surprised how good egg beaters are. I have never had them before my "soft food" stage and I love them. I was lactose intolerant and now I make sure that I drink my fat free milk on a daily basis and it doesn't bother me at all. The off limit food have been anything high in sugar (not natural). I love my sugar free pops.

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

My activity level has increased greatly. My husband and I bought new bicycles and are glad that we did it. I am now looking into joining a gym for the extra boost.

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

I have been taking my chewable vitamin, B12, and my calcium with citrate.

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?

Hair loss is at a minium right now. I am preparing for the worse if I have to. Dumping I haven't had a problem with that only if I eat to fast or something that I shouldn't have had. It is not a comfortable feeling at all so I have learned my lesson. I would just lay down for about 1/2 hour and let it pass.

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

The waiting for the insurance letter and any other approvals that were needed.

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

Right now I go to the support group at the Barix Clinic. I missed the past meeting and I felt like I missed visiting a friend. It is VERY important to me.

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

My scar is a little under 6 inches long. I have been rubbing cocoa butter cream on it. I am not embarrassed by it at all. It is better than I expected. :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't hit any plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not at all. I have a positive attitude about what I did and I don't care what people think. I do like hearing the complimments and I will answer any and all questions if people ask.