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

My mother was inquiring for herself but found out that due to a prior surgical procedure she did not qualify, So she put her entire being into helping me.... She went on the internet and researched until the wee hours of the morning and then found a doctor who was will to operate on me, since I was only 17 years old at the time of my surgery. Now I am 18, 135lbs less. With approximately 65 more lbs to go. I was initially frightened by the whole idea, but I trust and love my mother. She of course showed me her love in a way I will never forget......

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

Just tell the truth and explain all of your physical and emotional ailments in detail. Be aggressive, if denied don't give up. Never give up....I was appoved immediately and my age was a real factor, I was only 17. But I was approved...

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

Go with questions and prepare your issues prior to going to the surgeon, my mother had a notebook and hit the doctor right between the eyes with questions about the surgery, recovery and lots of questions on long term issues...... Be prepared... and informed..

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My poor body was failing me and I was so young. My breathing was labored, my physically activity was decreasing due the agonizing of moving all that weight around. It was exhausting. My mental state was being challenged daily my rude people and a lack of understanding of my situation. Why me??????? That was my favorite question.... Now I see myself as a new creation with a new outlook on a new life.....I thank God for my new life....

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I allowed my physician to help me in choosing the best possible procedure for me with my age being a factor.... I am happy with the route we took and I will never reqret my decisions.....

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?

I was not afraid of complications, my fear was of dying.... They pretty much scare you with that knowledge that this is a major surgery and requires a great deal of respect. I found my peace knowing that my family loved me and would let me call off the surgery at any time if I felt as though I could not go through with it. I made my peace with God. I was ready to go to my maker if it was his will, But my family, friends, co-workers and many others were praying for total victory and that God was with the doctors and their hands. Prayer is everything..... I would not have allowed the surgery without it..... My surgery went so well, and my recovery was so quick. I was out of the hospital in 2 days and completely off pain medications by the end of the first week. I have never felt better!!

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 was supportive because we had alot of knowledge of the good and the bad that could happen. We left no rock unturned. My extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.. Were unaware of the procedure and needed my mother to do all of the explaining in order for them to get a workable knowledge of what was about to be done to me. After all were informed, the preparations began as did the prayers and God opened all the doors. We are all thankful,, I wish that some of the others having the surgery at the same time as I had a better understanding of the peace I had so that they could have had it too. Some people were really nervous and anxious, I think if you have total peace your recovery will be quicker and you will be healthier emotionally.....

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

They were very supportive. because they were getting back a healthier and happier individual than the one they had before. The timing was not a good thing for my employer because I am in retail and this was a very busy time of year. I chose not to put it off any longer. I was truthful in explaining the procedure and my feelings for wanting it. They knew that I would be happier. I was out until the 3rd week of January. I could have gone back sooner but it was a slower period and they wanted me to have a good recovery. I accepted that!!!!

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

As pleasant as they could make it... 2 days was all I had to stay. Bring God!!!!!

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

absolutely no ill effects or complications, I was very blessed....

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

The only anxiety I had was not being able to gulp my water. I loved drinking large quantities of water at a time.... This is what I really miss....... Coping with eating was also an issue but a necessity so I spent alot of time retraining myself to eat......

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

The more you move around the quicker you will be back to your self. Not your old self but your new self. Be patient with yourself, and very importantly learn to listen to your body. Spending a lifetime ignoring its needs it will require conditioning to listen....

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

Again my total travel from hospital to home....20 miles The ride home was the worst but after that no worries.........

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.

Soda is a tough one to get over because people love to offer you pop all the time. Even when you eat out. I drink milk when I am out eating . At home I drink water and iced tea....Certain foods react differently in all people. Learn what works for you... experiment and when you find something you like and sits well with you write it down. So that later on you can always look back and say I have'nt had this in awhile and it brings pleasant feelings. I never liked tomatoes so I don;t miss them, But I really do miss citrus and I have tried to eat citrus recently and body simply said no..... That doesnt mean I can never have it. That simply goes on file as something to try again later on... Not never... never say never.... Your body needs change as often as we do...

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

I stayed very active and took lots of naps. As soon as I could I switched to tylenol as my only means of painkiller. I think that helped me alot in regaining my strength because those narcotics are'nt good to take to much of....everyday was a new day with new levels of energy of activity....

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?

The feeling that something was stuck in my throat when I ate more than I should. It always led to vomiting and burping. Very uncomfortable. Get to know your body and listen to it... I can't stress this enough.....

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

Awaiting approval!!!!!!!!!

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

Because I am only 18 now, I am very busy with school, work, sports, drama and church. I have not been able to get to the support groups, I kind of feel like I would be out of place because most of the patients are much older. And are not comfortable with me. Probably not true but that is how I feel..

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

The scar is getting smaller on the time. It is not an issue. Who cares about the scar, my body is healthy for the first time in a long time and the scar is a reminder to my body of what it use to carry. Vitamin E oil helps to keep it from itching......

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have never had a plateau experience, my body continues to drop weight at the same rate from the very start.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The kids at school who used to call me some horrific names are now at a loss for words. They still are'nt treating me any nicer, they have just found other means of being mean. Some kids who knew me by being the fat kid, are approaching me and asking me if I am that kid... Then they ask how I lost the weight and how I feel... Funny how they did'nt care how you felt before. But I guess the important issue is that they care now..