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

My best friend had it done a year ago. She weighted 238 when she had it a year ago. I thought that I would have to be 500 or 600 pounds before they would do the surgery. She told me no "JUST" 100 pounds overweight. All I could think about is that's what I want. I want my life back. I saw how good she was doing so I made my appointment. She is now 120 pounds, and doing great.

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

I had everything faxed to my insurance. Got a letter saying the recieved it. After a month I called them and they said they never recieved my fax. Yea right. So Dr. Weinstein's office refaxed the paper work and in less than 2 weeks I got my approval. Stay on your insurance company. They hope we forget.

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

It was great. He showed me exactly what he was going to do to me. Told me the risk and that this is major surgery. That I would lose about 80% of my weight. Ask me if I had any questions. He Weighted me and took my height. My BMI was 41. After that we got the ball rolling. I went to Mary who handle's the insurance part. She asked me questions about what health problem's I had and gave me some paper work to fill out about all the diet's I had tried, diet pills, excerise, etc. Then she gave me release form's to give to my other doctors to get my medical records.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My son. I want to be around for a long time and see him grow up. And of coarse for my health and my mental state. I'm starting to like me again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research and Dr. Weinstein really helped also. He thinks this is the best 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?

I was so scared I would never so my family again. I wrote my husband, son and parents a letter before my surgery. Just in case because this is a Major Surgery. Make sure you have someone there with you. Some people have trouble with meds. that they are giving. Make sure someone know's how you react and can tell if something isn't quite right.

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 great. I stayed at my parent's house after surgery, because I couldn't pick up my son. So I stayed there during the week and can home on the weekends. My mom was worried about me having the surgery but she know I was gonna do it anyway, so she cheared me on. I

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

I'm lucky I'm a stay at home mom.

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

My stay was great. I went in on a Wed. and home on Fri. They got me up at 5am to walk the halls. I was on the maternity ward. So I went to see the babies. I took shampoo, (didn't shower until I got home), mouth wash. I used it just to wash my mouth out. Something to come home in. I had shorts and shirt. They pretty much have everything you need.

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

No I haven't had any 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 was so happy. I probably gained 10 pounds. I had a month to wait so I went to all my favorite places and ate and ate and ate.

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

I had Lap Rny. About 1 week after surgery I got a burning pain next to my belly button. I called the doctor and made an appointment. I thought I may had torn something. I went and told him It felt like someone cut me with a hot knife. He said someone did, HIM. So even though your not cut open you are still cut up inside. It took about 3 weeks to go away. Just take it easy. Walk as much as you can even if it's just around the house. It make's you feel better and not so stiff.

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

I didn't have to travel my doctor is here in Mobile, Al.

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.

Day one after surgery I had liquids. Day 2 scrambled eggs and grits, Jello. At home I had sugar free pudding, jello, soup and chicken in a blender. At day 10 I was eating Crackers, tuna salad, chicken salad. At about 3 weeks I was back to eating normal food. Grill chicken, pork, ground sirloin, green bean, carrots (cooked and raw), pasta. I haven't had any trouble with any food. Just remember to Chew very well.

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

You'll be tired alot after surgery. I walked around the house and after week 1 I went to Kmart and walked around the store. Week 2 I went to Walmart shopping. It took about 3 weeks to get my energy back. Now that I've lost 43# I have much more energy.

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

Morning I take A protein shake, Super B Complex and Liquid Calcium Citrate and fiber waffer. Lunch I take flinestone complete vitamin and Calcium. Supper I take flinestone complete vitamin and calcium. My doctor told me the ony vitamin you can overdose on are A,D,E,and K so all the others your body will use what it needs and you'll flush what you don't need out with water.

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 haven't had any of these except for dumping. I dumped after drinking about 2oz of Boost with protein. My heart started beating real fast, I got hot and was nausia's. It lasted for about 10 minutes.

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

Waiting. The surgery wasn't bad for me. I wasn't in pain until late that night.

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

We haver a support group at Mobile Infirmary the 2nd Thursday of every month. They have been great. Alot of people there are waiting for surgery or there for information. There are about 40 of us. It's great to be able to ask question that only post op can answer. I would say this is a must if you are having or have had this surgery. The doctor hasn't had the surgery so he can't answer all our questions.

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

my scar's are about the size of my finger nail. It looks like someone has scratched me in 6 different places. I

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just got off of a 2 week plateau. I increased my protein, water and exercise, and I'm losing again. You feel so bad when your at a plateau. You feel like your never gonna start losing again but you will. Remember the more you weight the faster you will lose. The lighted you get the slower it will go. Let your body do what it needs to.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. I still weigh 175.