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

A friend who had the surgery told me about it and then I starting doing research.

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

When filling out the demographic sheet for the surgeon (mine required before they would go for approval) be very specific on your failures with weight loss.

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

My surgeon had us in a room that was like a living room setting. There were 3 other people getting info about the surgery in the room with me. What questions they didn't ask I did so I got alot out of that visit. Ask lots of questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After researching and reading how successful it has been for so many people.

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 goes through the same thoughts before surgery (very scared). For me I put my trust in the Lord and knew he was in control. I had so many people praying for a successful surgery.

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 husband and mother in-law were so supportive. My mother in-law has been my biggest supporter she periodically comes over and goes through my clothes with me to get rid of things that are to big. My parents were so against this surgery. I finally told them if they could not support me then I did not want to discuss it any more with them. They eventually came around and even flew to Florida to be with me while I was in the hospital.

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 great! totally supported me. I was only off work for 1 1/2 weeks.

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

The hospital I was in (Florida Medical Center) was wonderful. I was in the hospital from Wednesday to Saturday. I really did not bring anything special with me to the hospital.

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 had many people praying for me. Co-workers even gave me Bible verses to hang on my computer to remind me God is in control.

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

Very tried.

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

2 hours

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

At 6 weeks out I started working out 5 times a week and have continued to this day.

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

I take a multi vitamin, vitamin C and 2 calicum tablets in the morning along with an iron supplement. I then repeat the same thing in the evening except for the iron supplement (it is only once a day).

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?

I have had no problems at all!

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

I can't say there is anything!!!

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

Support is very important after this surgery. Since my surgeon is a 2 hour drive away it is impossible for me to get to the support group meetings. I have started a local support group in my area and I would recommend if you do not have a local support group then start one!

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

My scars (LAP RNY) are hardly not even noticeable now. I used vitamin E oil to help fade them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateau's since surgery. The longest one has lasted about two weeks. All I can say is don't get discouraged when this happens. I find if I change my eating habits each time I get to a plateau the weight seems to start coming off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Men seem to notice me know. When I was heavy they never even looked.