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

My mother called and they sent me information I thought about it and how it would effect me and my life , by saving my life thats all it took.

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

I was really worried about getting approval, They called me to inform me that I was approved and I about had a heart attack. It has to be medically needed. So you had better have had some recorded problems stemming from weight. At least thats how I was approved.

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

My surgeon made me really nervous at first with all the pros and cons of the surgery but, once I understood everything and the good about it I didnt have any problem saying yes go for it. All I can say is ask alot of questions and write down all they say so you can review before saying yes to the surgery. But I will tell you this no matter what they say to you It was the best decision I ever made.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am in good health besides what the obesity caused my heart and lungs are in great shape so I new I would be ok.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was the only one they offered.

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?

Everyone is going to feel that way because people have died from the surgery but, if you are truthfull with the doctor, they wont make you have the surgery if they dont think you can handle it emotionally or physically.

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?

Well my parents were backing me 100%, they wanted me to live no one wants to die and I surely didnt. My friends and my brothers were mixed with diffrent opinions , a friend of mine stated God made us this way and if he wanted me diffrent he would make me that way. My brothers were afraid of loosing there only sister but, I just kept telling them God must have led me to the surgery so I can live and to my brothers they would just have to pray and trust that God will bring me through it . After the surgery everyone was supportave and loving and excited for me.

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

She was so happy for me and said take as long as you need. I have been there 3yrs and we are kinda like friends.

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

Everyone was wonderful and sweet at the hospital, I was there 4days. Something to wear home like pj's or a night gown because you will go right to sleep on the couch or recliner I wouldnt suggest sleeping in your bed.

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

No I got to foggy from the demerol pump so they had to take me off of it but, just eat slow when you do at the hospital because you will throw up.

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 alot of vomiting and quezziness in my stomach but, It doesnt happen to alot of people just keep taking your pepsid ac like you are soppost to and you shouldnt have that problem.

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

Rest alot! Get as much sleep as you can, but drink your 64 oz a day to keep from getting dehydrated and it helps your stomach heal. Take your pills as directed and rest. Walk walk walk you will start feeling human once you do.

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

I live one and a half hours from Columbus Ohio .

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.

One day your stomach would tolerate one thing but the next it wouldnt but like I said earlier I had a problem with food in the beginning with vomitting alot. I had to go back to liquids at 3 weeks instead of puree foods due to puree foods not going down well.Now I am 12 months post op and I just had dinner at applebees. Wow I wouldnt change a thing you learn what you can eat and what you cant. Really fast.

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

One week after surgery I went shopping at the mall, I got tired but you just have to pace yourself. But the more you get out the better you feel and better you do.12 months post op and I have alot of energy that I never had.

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

BUGS BUNNY SUGAR FREE ! I love my chewable vitamins. Later I am to start my prenatals.12 months I am still on prenatals doing great.

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?

Nausia, vomiting were the only ones and they were off and on for the 2nd,3rd,4th - I am at my 4th week so I dont know if cutting back to liquids till my stomach swelling goes back down. They said when I started vomiting my stomach swelled and made it hard for pureed foods to go down so I have backed up. I just do what they tell you to do trust me I am felling better now.12 months I am felling so much better and my hair is finally growing fuller.

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

Walking right after surgery, and not getting that chili dog I have been craving since my surgery.

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

None at this time. Just family and friends..

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

Its small in width which is nice .

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't experienced any plateau's yet.12 months I can say I had a few scary plateau but eat more and they will not last.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are starting to notice things like, my face isnt as large when I smile now and my neck is going down also I went shopping today just to see what size I am in now and I have went from a 32 plus size in my waist to a 26, my family and friends are so happy..