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

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

The people at the Baritric Center handled everything. Didn't have any problems that I'm aware of .

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

My first meeting with Dr. Leverton was great. Both she and her staff were ready willing and able to answer any questions. She took the time and explained things in a way that was easy to understand. DON'T BE AFRAID DO ASK QUESTIONS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm 47 yrs old. There is a history of medicial problems, diabetes etc.that run in my family. I don't want to have these problems and being over weight the way I was, made it a sure thing that I would have these problems. I'd tried vitually everything and nothing else worked. I really felt this was the only chance I had to get the weight off and keep it off.

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 really didn't have any fears of complicatons or anything until the morning of the surgery. At that time I because very nervous, but I just said a pray and knew it was for the best.

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?

For the most part my family was very supportive. A few were kind of skeptical but after seeing the results have been very supportive.

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

I told my boss that I was having the surgery because I wanted to get control of my health and weight. He was ok with it. Didn't say much as far as me needing to be off. I was off for 4 weeks.

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

The staff was wonderful! The day I went in I went in sick and scared and everyone, including the maintence person was great. I was there for 3 days and felt like I was leaving long time friends behind when I left. Each and everyone of the staff were encouraging and compassionate. They made me feel important and that they really cared about my comfort and well being. Hats off to the Wiley Texas Baritiric Treatement Center!!!

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

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 excited up until the day before and the day of, then it really hit me that I was undergoing a real life changing thing. I got scared, even to the point of making myself sick and throwing up! (extremely hard to do when you're empty). I know I could have backed out and my husband would have said ok with me, but I knew that I had to do this for myself and my own best interest. I don't regret doing it.

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

Well, I am 10 days (May 26th) post op. The first week went well, was really ready to add to my eating choices. I'm beginning to want to eat things that according to the plan I'm not ready for. It's really hard. My family has been really good about taking care of themselves and not bring in stuff they know I might want. My husband is really being supportive and says this is giving him a chance to cut back too and lose some weight. I've got one and a half more weeks on full liquids, then it's on to puree foods! Can't wait!

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

The center is 1 and 1/2 hours from my home. My husband stayed with me the day of surgery and made sure I was tucked in for the night before he left. He didn't come to the center till the day I came home, but we talked at least twice a day and he was there bright and early the day I was released, so it really didn't effect my aftercare. By the two week check up I'll be able to drive again, but will probably get someone to take me.

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.

Being on 10 days post op,(may 26th), I've only been on clear liquids and am now on full liquids. So far so good I think. Just eat slow and stop when begin to feel full.

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

the first week just wanted to rest and take it easy, but beginning to get restless. I've been home by myself during the day and it's hard to keep from wanting to do things not suppose to do yet.

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

I've been taking the Bugs Bunny Sugar Free Chewables, twice a day and the protein.

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?

So far haven't had any problems. I think sleeping is really the only thing. I like many of the others tend to sleep on my side and stomach. I'm now able to sleep somewhat on my side without too much of a problem. I've had alot of sinus problems and have coughed alot, which really hurts, but that's getting better too.

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

The surgery itself was not bad. There was the usual soreness and recovery, but having an understand and supportive staff made the experience a good one overall.

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

The after care I recieved was mainly from the doctor's office itself and talking to others who'd had the surgery or who were going to. It's nice to know you're not the only one going thru it.

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

My scar is about 6 inches long. Most of it has faded nicely and yes it's about what I thought it'd be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I've lost as of Feb. approx. 70 lbs. and have kind of reached a plateau. I'm losing inches with the help of exercise, but the weight loss has slowed down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no.