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

I first found out of the weight loss surgery from commercials on TV and the stray friend that knows a friend of a friend who had the surgery and they're doing great. I was 21 years old when I had the surgery and I did all the research, insurance information, and patient research on my own. I wanted to change my life.

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

My insurance agency worked great with the doctors and I was approved after the first letter. All they asked for was a simple psychological examination to be given to me.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon happened the day before I was going to have surgery. The main thing you want to remember is to go ahead and ASK QUESTIONS. Please, don't be afraid. I sat with my co-patients and my surgeon for six hours in a small little room and we remembered to talk about everything. Be sure your doctor knows more than you do.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I sat down and realized that I was 21 years old and weighed almost 300 lbs. I wanted to be noticed... not for my looks, but for me. It's a sad fact, but in this world you might as not even exist if you are overweight because it seems that no one cares anyways. That is wrong though -- I care and many other overweight people out there care. Some of the most caring people in this world that I have ever met have been overweight people.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon explained my options. Bypass or VBG. While the bypass did have many advantages, the success rate did not carry as long and the thought of rapid malnutrition in my lower intestine did not seem to pull me to the thought of choosing this procedure. However, VBG is said to not last as long, it's success rate is better and there are less side effects.

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?

Do not have any fear. At the time that you have the surgery it is going to be painful -- I will not lie to you. But, after the surgery is over, you already feel like a new person and you completely forget about the pain and the moments you were feeling the pain. When you've lost a large amount of weight and you are further down the road, you don't even remember it anymore. Don't worry about dying -- remember to talk to your surgeon!

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 friends were very supportive of me before and after surgery. I did not have any problems with anyone except for the regular people that liked to tease me and taunt me. I believe they didn't want me to have the surgery because after I lost the weight they would have nothing to tease me about anymore.

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

My stay in the hospital was okay. It wasn't as I imagined it to be, and I wish my doctor would've showed me around the area where I would be staying at for 7 days before surgery, but altogether it was okay. The most important things to bring are: slippers (or socks with padding), a pillow (a small one and a large one), loose fitting pants (for when you go home), and a picture. I brought a picture of my dog to keep me company. I also brought my mother along.

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

The one problem I did have after surgery was kidney stones. Apparently, from the major change in diet and the rapid weight loss I had kidney stones and I had to pass them. This was the most excruciating thing in my whole life (I haven't had children yet). Altogether it took about 5 days.. first on the right side and then on the left side of my body. I was given some great pain medication though. Otherwise, slight vomiting every now and then since I am experimenting with new foods and I'm still getting the hang of broadening my horizons with what I eat now.

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 got my surgery date not long before surgery. I was overly excited and in fact I asked to have my surgery moved behind Christmas so that I could at least eat one last HUGE Christmas dinner. I did. =)

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

You should expect to have a lot of psychological and emotional issues. You cannot eat like you once did and you cannot eat the things that you once consumed. In fact, the psychological aspect of the whole ordeal would keep me from having the surgery again, not the physical aspect. Remember to take it easy and also remember to have a good support system.

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

I traveled from Oklahoma City, OK, to Lubbock, TX. This is about a 8 to 9 hour drive. I have not been back to see my surgeon yet since surgery because of this long drive, but I plan to soon.

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 could not eat a lot of dairy products at first.. even the skim milk. It did not settle well with my stomach. Also, spicy foods were the worst for me and gave me horrible heartburn. Otherwise, I did fine with my eating. However, I have NOT had one single carbonated beverage since surgery (01/16/02) and I plan to never have one again. I missed it at first but I do not miss it now that I see all the effects that came from it. Decaffeinated tea is a good substitute with sweet-n-low. Also try crystal light. Now that my stomach has expanded a little more, I can hold my cup of food down (sometimes). I don't like eating as much steak or pork as I used to unless it's very very SOFT ham, otherwise I can feel it in my stomach and it cramps.

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

I've always been a fairly active person and I continue to be. So, for me, my activity level has always consisted of walking, playing sports, running, and climbing stairs.

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

I only take Flintstones. =)

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 do vomit still and that doesn't seem to bother me anymore. The hair loss has finally stopped altogether and for that I am grateful. I have no sleep disturbance nor did I ever. My sleep apnea is totally gone and for that I am also grateful. Be aware though that you will vomit.

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

Learning to live life over again without EATING.

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

My family serves as my aftercare support program and my friends make sure to watch what I eat and what I do. It is VERY helpful to have a support plan with either a group or your family and friends.

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

My scar is huge and I hate it. I won't lie -- I wish it were gone. However, I know that I need to now have a tummy tuck and that scar would be just as bad anyways. So, I'm not sweating the things I had to sacrifice to be where I'm at today and how happy I am today.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people treat me with more respect now and actually listen to me. It is also nice to get the occasional flirtatious guy that is a dream to come and hit on you and ask you out and for your number. It's wonderful to feel... ALIVE.