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

I was looking at Discovery Channel one night.and i saw a number of people who was feeling like me.so talked it over with my pcp.and he was no help.because he said medicare would not pay for it.

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

Well, my situation is different,i am on disability due a car wreck in 1998.i only have medicare.my process was God blessed,i got all my doctors to write a statement about my mental state and physical being and i went from there.i prayed a lot because i know God Is.....first, i had to find a sur- geon.then go to a support group.

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

My first time i met Dr.Hobson,was such a pleasant and wonerdul meeting.his bed side manners are divine.he is such a caring person,and not judgmental beause you are overweight .he was like a down to earth man.just asking me what can we do together to make difference in my life.and we went from that.just be honest in your decussion.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick and tried of being sick and tried.and my life was at zero.so,i did my research,and i did not let nothing nor any one block my blessing for tina.oh so many people was like girl i don`t believe your insurance will cover it.but,i kept praying and i would be on the computer until 3am.reading and looking.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

well, when u go to the seminar,Dr.Duncan,talked about all three and the success with each one.and he is the surgeon. and he knew my battle so i left that up to him and his staff. i just prayed and Thanked the Lord in advance for his mercy in my life.

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?

Fears,i did not have any!because i had all my life had nothing not even loving myself so if it was my time.then so be it.but it was worth it because i was doing something for Tina.I thanked the Lord,in Advance for saving me.and my Faith ,i knew he would.at,this point.all i had was my Heart and my Faith.

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,from day one when i told my sister she so happy for me. because she knew i was huge and i was so unhappy.my husband was like i do not think u should do this.but,i was tried of everyone putting a limit on my ability.I needed this i was at a point where i could not do anything else .nothing else worked for me.and now everyone who knew me before are like wow!you look so good.i am embrassed at the attention it brings.i still have a way to go.

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

I am on disability/

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

i checked in at 5:30am.and i stayed overnight.and everything was wonderful.i came out of surgery with No Pain!and i walked 2hours after leaving recovery.leave all your personal items home.

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

No!

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 so excited!and so blessed i was crying because over a year later i finally was a step a way from knowing it is for me. I called everyone i knew and i told my pastor and elder they prayed for me.and we fellowshipped.and i was just so ready.

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

well, the first week. someone needs to be with you because you are not very mobile.but i walked every morning half way the hill of the driveway.I use to get tried quick and i was weak.but on the second week u are ok.at least i was.and i had no nausea,nor voimiting in this stage afterward.

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

I live in Snellville ,Ga and my Surgeon is in Atlanta,ga so about 27miles each way.

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.

well,it has just been two months.and at first it use to take me one hour to drink a 16oz bottle of water.and i would take 45m to eat a samll 4oz diet jell.i did clear liquids for about 2 weeks and went on to eat a full liquid.i can not eat meat.like chicken oh no i will voimit it quick.i eat 2tablsp.of mashed potaoes and vegetable soup and drink water.i only eat twice so i am good.

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

All i did the first couple of weeks was walk.and my knees,still give me trouble so i just still walk and i do a little cardio.

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

1200mg calcium,B-12shots,childrens mutlivitamin.and i drink boost high protein shakes i can only drink 2unces 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 not had this to the point of a problem.the only thing is meat it makes me sick so i do not eat it at all.and fruits i have not tried to eat them yet.but i do have chronic constipation and on reason is some days i eat nothing and i am not hungry.

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

well, i had to see cardiologist and do a echogram,and a stress test and see a pulmonologist.because when over 40,it is required for the process.so it took me a while to complete all my things on the list.

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

I am looking for some support now.because i never dreamed i would have clothes that are to big and so it is mental.because when i look in the mirror i still me.i am wearing clothes i have not had on in 3years.

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

Dr.Hobson did it Larapascopic.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am not there yet/

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, no people are just floored because they are like you look so Good.and it brings a lot of compliments,andi am not good at receiving them so, i be feeling a little embrassed by all the smiles and oh when you get to the end of the year they say you are going to be Beautiful imagine that!