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

A friend of mine at work had it done. I thought, this is for me and started checking into it immediately. I went ahead and had another child though before going to the extent I have at this point in really trying to have the surgery performed.

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

I got declined initially. I was approved after my first appeal letter. Get your primary care doctor to write out a summary of your dr. supervised diet.

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

I saw Dr. Gonzales about 2 years ago, and have chose to go with Dr. Fernandez. Gonzales didn't offer enough information for my liking. When I went to see Dr. Fernandez I felt like I knew almost all there was to know, but he still managed to advise me of things that I had not found in my research! Fernadez seems wonderful so far! I'm sure Dr. Gonzales is a great doctor, but I felt more comfortable with Dr. Fernandez.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm 28 my knees creak, and my primary care doctor has put me on blood pressure meds. I also have 2 little boys, 1 is 4, and the other is 10 mnths and I want to be able to be more active with them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well, I know so many people that have already had the rny that I just went straight to it.

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 was scared. I did not want to die. I feel that God takes us at His time, regardless of what we do. I want to do this to be healthy so that I will live longer. I know the risks. I know the rewards. I pray to God to lead me to the path he wants me to take. It is an individual decesion that must be weighed out individually.

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 is supportive and happy, my husband worried. My family could not have been more supportive!

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

My supervisor said "Good for you! Do it!".

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

My stay was very nice. The sticht center was great! My room was private, and I was treated very well.

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

I had no problems!

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 felt great! I had no anxiety!

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

I got tired easily. I couldn't do the house work for about one week. The pain wasn't bad.

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

about 15 miles

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.

I am now 3 months out, and I still have problems with dry meats, I can eat anything in a sauce though.

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

I felt back to normal in 1 month!

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

2 chewable flinstones a day, iron twice a day, and tums w/calcium twice 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 minimal hair loss, and I don't have the other problems. If I eat too fast I spit up. Thats expected though, and its my own fault.

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

Remebering to take all my meds daily.

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

My doctor has a support group that meets monthly and I use the nc state message board.

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

I have 5 tiny scars on my tummy. They don't bother me!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had no plateaus yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't get have people looking at me with that "oh my goodness she's a big one" look on their faces anymore.