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

A friend had lost a bunch of weight and when I asked her how she did it she said, "I had my stomach stapled". So I began my research and prayed hard that God had ment me to find this out because it is my answer to a better, longer, healthier, happier life!! Thank you God!

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

My insurance company; Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO doesn't pre-approve, but they did write a letter to my doctor stating that this surgery was medically necessary for me, which means it's a go! I have been waiting and working on this for almost a year! Hang in there and keep working and fighting if need be until you win! Persistance pays off!!!

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

My first and every meeting with my surgeon thereafter was great. He is short and to the point, but I like it that way. He is caring....just a little covered up. My you can tell when someone really cares and when they don't. He is a awesome surgeon in his field.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It is the only choice I have left. I decided that no matter what the potential for complications to have surgery are, the potential for complications the way I am now are far greater and I am not willing to take that chance with my life. My family mean too much to me for me to sit around fat and misserable playing russian rullet with my fat life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did a ton of research and decided that the proximal RNY lap was the one for me. Everyone is different and needs to do their own research. This is a big surgery, make sure what you are getting is what you want.....for a lifetime!

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 have a strong faith in the Lord, our Father. I know that everything is in His total control at all times. I felt in my heart that He wanted this for me and it took a year and 3 docs later before I finally got this surgery, so I KNOW that His hand has been in this since before the beginning. God takes care of all our needs.

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 extremely supportive. They don't want to see my like this anymore than I do. I am unable to do so many things with my kids....grandkids...and the kids that are still living at home. My hubby was awesome, at my side through the surgery, stayed with me at the surgical center and at the motel. He took a week and a half off work to be with me....I am extremely fortunate to be blesses with such a wonderful man!

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

My employer was supportive because there have been a few other people at work who have already had this surgery and done so well. I got three weeks off work, paid, with no problems. I am fortunate to work at a place that is supportive of this procedure.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. One day longer than the other ladies that had their surgery at the same time because I had to go back into the operating room with a little bleed that they had to fix. Slippers....I didn't bring any and I don't like those hospital botties cause they slip around on my feet. Slippers would have been nice. Some ppl bring their own night gowns or PJ's which is more comfy once they take the IV's out. Bring your own toothbrush, paste...etc. Anything that you would take to a motel for a night stay.

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

I did have a bleed and have to go back into surgery to fix it. The doc did it all laproscopically and it went well. The other problem I had was I had been taking so many meds for my fibromyalgia it was hard to get my surgical pain under control with what they were giving me. So I would suggest to anyone who is on a lot of pain meds for arthritis, fibromyaligia, etc, to try and taper off them some at least a month before surgery, so the meds they give you for your incisional pain works better.

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 been working on getting this surgery for a year...I was ready! I also have lots of faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.....so He took care of any anxiety I might have felt. I was excited when I found out, but I had had a surgery date with another doc earlier in the year....so I was feeling like,"I'll believe it when I am on the gernery watching the lights go by my eyes." And that is exactly what happened. I watched as I was on the gerney, we passed through double doors with a sign over them that said surgery....then the lights passed....then my lights went out! :+)

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

The first week me and hubby had to stay in Fresno, California so I could be close to my doc. Then the next two weeks I was at home. I mostly stayed home the second week and took things easy. Then the third week I started going places and doing a few things everyday. I enjoyed my time off work tons! I went back to work the fourth week and was tired easily at work. But I made it.

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

I had to go from Oregon to California, it was about a 9 hour drive. That is why we had to stay a week after surgery. I haven't seen him again yet, but will probably see him at 6 months. My Nurse Practitioner here takes care of my aftercare. She is doing a good job, checking my blood regularly and whatever else I need done.

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.

Right after surgery for the first two weeks I was on clear liquids. I did the best with and liked popsicles the best. I couldn't stand jello.....never could. 3rd week full liquids and then soft foods like mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, baby foods..etc. by the 4th week i could have soft meats, eggs. by the 5th week I could eat whatever I could tolerate. I have a hard time with meats, but I keep eating them cause I need the protein. I can eat sweets, but I stay away from them. I can eat just about anything. Love popcorn!! still love my popsicles too! I try to eat more protein than anything else, but sometimes I eat what everyone else eats for dinner.

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

I have the ones on the internet. Pride group from Oregon and WLS. They are both very helpful and I get lots of encouragement, and support! Awesome people on both sites! I am extremely grateful to have them!

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

I have 6 small (approximately 1 inch each) on my abdomen in various places. They aren't bad at all. I am grateful that I could have this done laproscopically!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at about 8 weeks after surgery. I had lost from 214 to 178 and stayed there for about a week and a half. Now my wt loss has slowed down, but I am loosing again. It has slowed down, but part of that is my fault because I have fibromyalgia and after working 8-9 hours on my feet and running I am so tired and sore by the time I get home that I don't exercise. I am hoping to cut back to part-time soon so I will have more energy to walk and do other exercises.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No they aren't treating me any differently, but after loosing about 30 pounds they sure started to notice the wt loss. A lot of people at work started complimenting me and are continuing to do so. It feels so good to hear positive things about yourself!