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

My story begins with my brother. My brother, Jake, was morbidly obese. He saw a program on television in 1998 about WLS. He called me the next day and asked him to find him a surgeon. Some phone calls led me to Dr. Boyd Terry in Columbia, MO. I began going to support group meetings with Jake. And I attended his appointments with Dr. Terry and his staff. Jake weighed over 575 pounds. He really needed this procedure. I was alittle over 100 pounds over weight. I had no idea that people my size were having WLS. But, I met a woman in Dr. Terry's office who HAD been my size! She had it done and was SO THIN! It wasn't long until I was on the band wagon! Anyway, as it turned out, I had my surgery BEFORE Jake! My insurance approved me before his approved him! I had surgery in October of 2000. Jake had his in January 2001. I am proud to report that we both did well. I lost 135 pounds. And Jake has lost over 320. We both have done. We neither one have any regrets. And I love the special "bond" that we now have!

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

My insurance Heathlink PPO approved me in just a few days! It is through my husband's carpenter's union.

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

I had met Dr. terry at Jake's visits. So, my visit was mainly a formality.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

tired of the yo yoing I had done all of my adult life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Terry's recommendation

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 had NO fears, until they came to wheel me into surgery. Then I prayed, prayed prayed! And God took my fears away and the Versed didn't hurt!

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?

I didn't tell very many people that I was having surgery. I didn't want to hear ANYTHING negative. My husband was my main support. He is my main support in life. I told a three close friends. Two were supportive, one thought I was crazy. I also had to tell my office. I am a nurse in a family practice setting. I got a mixed reaction there.But, mostly support. I told my sister and my mother. They were as supportive, but lived far away.

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

I work four ten hour days as a nurse. I took off work for four weeks, then worked half days for two more weeks.

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

I stayed 6 nights. Staff was okay.

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

none

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

tired, didn't sleep well, I felt whimpy and whiney! I was on this website 24/7!

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

30 miles

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.

Dr. Terry feeds his patients "real" food before they leave the hospital. So, I was never on liquids or pureed. I do not drink anything carbonated and I try to avoid sugar. I didn't do well with breads for a long time, but, now I can tolerate it.

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

multi vitamin daily, Tums, and B12 injections monthly

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

I started a support group in June of 2001. I had been driving to Columbia once a month to a group and decided to start one here. I have met some wonderful people! We do not offer medical advise, only peer support!

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

My scar is seven inches long. It runs from my sternum to just above my umbilicus. It is not pretty! It is rather thinck and still a darkpinkish tone. But....who cares? Not Me! I owre a two piece bathing suit on the beach in Mexico this past January.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I feel better about myself. And YES! People treat me differently, especially men. And I have slowly learned to say "thank you" after a compliment.