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

A friend of mine told me she was looking into the surgery and asked me if I wanted to check it out. I thought here is something that could finally get me away from spending the rest of my life fat.

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

I really didn't have any problems. They told me because of my prior health problems they would approve the surgery.Just hang in there and don't argue with your insurance company.

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

My first visit went well. He asked me questions about why I wanted to have surgery and then when we were finished he said I was a good candidate for it.Ask all your questions and concerns at this time. They will tell you what you want to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The chance to finally be free from fat, and the chance to be healthy for the first time in years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the RNY because it is the one that I know will keep you from gaining all your weight back. That's unless you cheat.

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?

There are fears in everyday life. I had a peace about the surgery, God was there and I knew this was the answer He had for me. I put my life and the surgery into God's hands and that's what got me through 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 family was concerned at first, but when they started reading and listening to other people about WLS they came to understand how i felt. They have been my biggest supporters

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

I am 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 hospital stay was a good one.They nurses there were very caring. They only deal with this type of surgery. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. Bring a positive attitude, and your family.

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 felt wonderful. I was somewhat concerned, but as time went by I felt more peace come my way.

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

I spent alot of my time in my recliner. I walked alot. I wanted to heal quickly. I did have some pain.Just pamper yourself during those few weeks

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

I live in Warner Robins, and my surgery was in Atlanta which is 1 1/2 hours from here. I caled my dr. often at first, then I used my PCP dr. for minor things.

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.

In the virst weeks I was on a liquid diet, then gradually added soft foods. Now 6 months out I can eat just about anything. Red meat seems to be the thing this is off-limit. My dietary tolerances do change all the time and it varies, I try and keep track of it so the next time I'll be careful.

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

My level went up. I felt better so I walked more got up and did a few tbings around my house. now i do so much more than I had in the past. My family is so proud.

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

I chew 2 Flintsone vitamins a day. Drink 2-3 protein drinks day.Eat tums 4 times 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?

The first time I dumped was horrible. I think the hair loss is worse for me.

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

The waiting for approval.

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

I attend a support group here in Warner Robins called The Minimees. I feel so much better going to a meeting and talking to otheres who go through the same things. I feel support groups are so very helpful, you need to be around friends who will be there for you. They are going through the same things and together you can overcome them.

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

my scar is somewhat visible, but nothing to get upset about

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 3 months I went to my dr. and only lost 6lbs. after that I have lost weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, People who are overweght barely speak to me. They say they are proud of me, but I can tell they are jealous.Some people are proud of me as well, they are just amazed at how much weight I've lost.