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

A friend had the surgery about 10 years ago. I just wasn't ready for it then. I thought I could solve the problem on my own and wondered if I was just not trying hard enough. Then two other people I knew had the surgery and I began wondering if it was the thing for me. Boy was it ever!

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

My insurance would only pay if it were medically necessary. By getting a referral from my PPO 1 provider the insurance company not only paid my claims but also paid them at the 80-20 rate. My out of pocket maximum was $750.00. It all went very smoothly, however they do not cover any complications related to the surgery such as hernias or gallbladder problems. So far I haven't had to worry about that.

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

The nurses had me watch a video and explained the procedure then I met with Dr. Otteman and he did another brief interview. They were friendly, professional and informative. I would suggest you ask as many questions as you can in order to feel confident in your decision to undergo major surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had reached a point where I just knew I could not do it alone. I decided that this was my last chance to do something for my health so that my kids would grow up with a mom. I was desperate and I had finally hit 300 lbs. That was the final straw.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was easy, I wanted Dr. Otteman and he only performs the open procedure. I also thought that the band would be a little added insurance. (I don't think it adds that much, but every little bit helps!)

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?

When I had to sign the form of understanding that 1 in 200 patients can die, I was scared. But honestly, the fear of dieing of heart disease (which runs in my family) was a lot scarier. The benefits just seemed to outweigh the risk.

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 very supportive. However, some of my friends were very skeptical, even insinuating that I was taking the "easy way out". Some were just afaid for me. You are always going to find skeptics and critics but you just have to do what you know is right in your heart. What does a thin person know about "the easy way"???

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

My boss was wonderful and very understanding. I explained the whole thing and she didn't bat an eye when she said, "take as long as you need". I took 2 full weeks off and went back 1/2 time the third week. After that it was back to business as usual. I was very lucky!

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

The hospital stay was good. The nurses were wonderful and understanding. I was there for 3 1/2 days. Bring a pillow from home the ones at the hospital are like rocks!

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

Not a single problem!!!

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 had waited so long for my consultation that I was just tired of waiting. When I got my surgery date I was just anxious to get it done.

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

I was sore for the first couple weeks and really weak. However, at my two week checkup I was bored and ready to get back to work.

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

Fort Collins is about 70 miles from Laramie.

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 haven't had too many problems. I still can't eat white bread and I struggle a bit with red meat but the only thing that is totally off limits is sugar. Thank god for Splenda!

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

I'm 10 weeks out and walking 2 1/2 miles 5 days a week! My energy level is incredible!

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

I take two chewable multi vitamins, B12 (sublingual), 2 Viactive calcium chews and drink 2 glasses of milk every 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?

I experience dumping every time I eat sugar, so I just don't eat sugar any more. I have had some mild hair loss but if I take my supplements and get my 60-70 grams of protein it isn't as bad.

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

Waking up from the surgery feeling like I had been hit by a truck and the first walk into the hallway.

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

We have a support group that meets once a month. It is wonderful and informative. I recommend that everyone who has this surgery tries to find some kind of group to be involved in. It just helps reinforce your resolve and lets you realize that the struggles you are having are not just happening to you.

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

It's ugly and looks just about like a zipper but at this point in my life I will take the scar any day to be even 50 lbs. lighter and have the energy and love for life that this surgery has given me!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm just getting started but my 6th and 7th week my weight loss slowed to a halt. I just kept on walking and it started up again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, without a doubt. I have noticed that people who struggle with their weight tend to be the ones who are less enthusiastic about my weight loss. I am also already experiencing more attention from men.