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

Started hearing about it on TV and magazine articles. I thought it the most extreme measure to take. Surely, I could get this weight off without mutilating my body.

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

I had no trouble! I knew from doing research what the insurance companies required. I got all my past medical records, did all the testing I was supposed to do and kept copies of everything. My doctor's office submitted the info and in less than 24 hours I was approved.

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

Very personal. The office staff were friendly and eager to help with the paperwork. Dr. Bolar explained the entire procedure and answered any questions I had. He made me feel like I was "worth" his time to help me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Dr. Bolar's genuined concern for my health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Bolar discussed the different procedures and upon his advice I chose the rny-open

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 scared to death of getting a blood clot. I was also scared I would have the surgery and it wouldn't work for me. Dr. Bolar has specific instructions for the hosp. staff about procedures to reduce the risk of blood clots. I was up and walking within hours of the surgery and when not up I wore compression stockings (NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE CALLED) Dr. Bolar assured me the procedure would work, as to how well would depend on me. In 5 months I have lost 86lbs and all I have had to do is follow his guiedlines. How easy is that?

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 my friends all wanted what was best for me. They all wanted me to do it for myself IF THAT'S WHAT I WANTED! Everyone has been extremely supportive--especially my wonderful Husband.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful. They staff were great! They were very supportive and were eager to give me any help I needed. I was in the hosp. for 2 1/2 days. I took my own gowns and robe and houseshoes. I wore the hosp. gowns and my robe. I wore the slipper socks they gave me. I took all of my own toiletries although the hosp. did provide some.

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

I had no 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 elated! I thought the time would never pass-it flew by. I was also nervous--I was worried about dying and also about giving up my food. I prayed to God to be with me and give me the strength and courage to start this new life.

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

I had 4 c-sections prior to this surgery. I thought I knew what to expect--WRONG! The soreness was extreme. I had a 7, 5, and almost 2 yr old waiting for me when I got home. It was very difficult at first because I was so weak and sore. It took 3 times the recovery time as any c-section I had had. IT WAS ALSO WELL WORTH IT!

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

5 miles--I was lucky!

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 beginning the water was like liquid gold. I was so thirsty but terrified to swallow anything. I was afraid of throwing up---you are so sore! After a couple of days the broth became very delicious! Slowly adding the puddings and purees was exciting but scary. I have not been able to tolerate drinking milk--makes me nauseated and bloated. I can eat cheese, and yogurt with no difficulty. I don't eat sugar because I was diabetic before and had already gotten use to sugar free products. In trying to get in all my protein, I crave veggies! I am at 5 months post op sick of meat! Thought I'd never say that. I drink 1-2 protien shakes a day--I use designer whey choccolate and mix with ice and water. I like these although I know a lot of people who don't. I can pretty much eat anything--but, I make much wiser choices and of course much smaller portions. I drink water or sugar free kool-aid in between my meals to keep me full so I don't snack. That is a huge change for me.

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

At first I tired easily but it wasn't long till I was feeling so much better. The first 2 weeks I lost 23lbs--it's amazing how good that makes you feel. It has been like someone gave me 20 yrs of my life back

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

multi-vitamin, 2 tums daily. 1-2 protien shakes a day-trying to get in 75 grams of protien a day. Also, sublingual B-complex weekly.

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?

from 3 months till present (5months) I have had a large amount of hair loss. I think it is getting better now. I have dumped a couple of times from sugar free chocolate and sugar free walmart creamer----don't know why but boy was I sick! Both times I just forced myself to get busy doing housework--worked it off!

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

the soreness after surgery, and the waiting before surgery

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

Dr. Bolar has a monthly support group--I love it! I really look forward to the meetings. We also have a support group on line--Every night I go there---very uplifting!

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

long!!!!!!!! It has not raised up or gotten really purple like some people's do. Actually, it is better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced a few short plateaus--a week or so-but nothing any longer than that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are noticing the weight loss and commenting on how much younger I look. When I walk into a room, restaurant, or store people don't stare with disgust.