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

I first seem Roseanne have it and then Carnie Wilson. I then spoke with a freind I met through my husband. She talked to me and was so very supportive in answering any questions. Thanks Missy! I also researched about the surgery for about a year before I took the steps in having it done.

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

Dont give up! Keep calling back till they say yes. Let them know you by name and become pushy. I had no problems after I had my phyc. exam faxed FINALLY. They were ready to appove me in four days, but my therapist took ten weeks to send a copy of the report to my insurance company. Hopefully no one else will have the same problem with thier therapist doing that end of his/her job. It was very frustrating. Then when it was finally done I was informed at the last minute I had to pay account balance in full. That may be undertandable but I was never informed of this prior. It is rather hard to come up with a huge sum of money over night.

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

I think you need to make a question list and add to it two weeks before the meeting. You will think of scattered questions and if you write them down, they are much easier to remember. My first visit was pleasant because I was blessed with a wonderful person with a lovely sense of humor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery when I met the surgeon and as soon as I found him. He put me at ease and was clear about the risk. I felt this was worth it. It is still painful in week two, but is getting better day by day!

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 major fears of dying. I had always had problems with being put to sleep. During the surgery they did have problems putting me to sleep. I had to before make a decision to take the chance or leave it behind. It is that cut and dry. For me it was and is worth anything for a healthier way of life. So I decided to take my chances. I made this clear to my loved ones.

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?

All my loved one were great. My son thought it was stupid. I think that was a part of him that was very scared. He had seen his mom go through to many surgerys before and feared me not waking up. I can understand his reasons. He loved me like I was and did not understand I was doing this for HEALTH. Looks are the perks, but not the most inportant. I had all family and some friends I could ever need.

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

At the point I was at before my surgery, I had no energy, motabolism or hope for the outside working world. My breathing was so bad. I now have all the confidence in the world and will enjoy getting back into the swing of the working world.

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

My stay was great as far as a clean hospital. I was in hospital for three days. I was taken off demoral pump at 1.5... I was then put on liquid Loratab. It made me sick and burned when it hit my pouch. I then suffered with nothing else for pain after I got home. That is my only complaint. You may not need alot of pain med. but you do need some to begin with.

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

I had problems being intabated. I woke with alot of blood in throat and sinus. I had to cough alot more and get it out. It was rough but I appreciate the proffesional work given to me.

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 excited. I can say alot of things were easy then because I wasnt living it yet. No one can prepare you for these emotional rollercoaster we jump on. Excepting it comes after you awake after the surgery and it made me sad. I am now doing some what better in week two. December 8,2001- I am off Z0loft after taking it for four years. I am emotionally the strongest I have ever been in my life. Its given me pation and energy. I am ready to run and exersise. LIfe is good.

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

My first week was rough!!!!! I felt like I would never feel better, but I did. I ached and hurt and did not want anything to for fear of being sick. At the same time I was soooooooooo hungry and weak. I can not lie... I felt like mud!

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

I traveled one hour each time I came for meetings, doctor appointments, and surgery. I still intend on making that drive for support groups and friendships for the rest of my life.

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.

First week liquids only. No diet sodas. Only broth, popsicles(sugar free),unsweetened tea, pudding.... Second week... I was put on soft protein diet... Can not yet handle food. Going to take liquids one more week and see if it toughens stomach.

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

I had to walk alot in first week to prevent blood clots. I was weak and did not walk as much as I feel I needed to. I never gave up though and did the best I could till I could do better. I am getting there. I look forward to being better healed to get out and exersise more.

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

I take two flinstone vitamins and a B-12 pill once a week.

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?

Dumping is hell. I hate to be so dramatic about this but it is so hard. It keeps you honest. I have not cheated at all but I have had dumping with protein drinks and had problems taking in soft protein.

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

So far in week two the worst part has been the first week and accepting you can ever eat like you did before. At first you have alot of recovery time ahead and this is a time I mourned being able to eat like the average person. It was hard but for my own good.

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

Bigger than usual. I had a hernia repaired and adhesions removed. It went from middle of bosom to my belly button.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

11/16/01 I experience a plateau for 4 days on week 8 postop. I stayed cool about it and kept eating healthy and exercising. I soon dropped 5 pds over night!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes alot of people I thought were friends were nowhere around and never seemed to care. Those friends I will remember just alittle. The true friends were there and showed how much they cared and for that I am so very thankful. People change and I am glad some showed thier true colors. December8,2001- Things are strange the way some people look at me after I lost 61.5 pds. They tend to look at me in shock and stare. It is nice for the compliments, dont get me wrong. I just forget sometimes why they are looking at me so funny. LOL!