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

Through my PCP. I wasn't sure about it. I wasn't sure that I was strong enough to do it and stick with it.

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

I really didn'y have any problems with my insurance. I was approved with the first letter submitted.

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

It was a group seminar that was held. He talked about the surgery, the side effects, and life after WLS. There also was a Q&A session. After everything was discussed, he saw everyone individually in a room to check you out, talk (quickly) about your personal situation and which surgery you were interested in.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired all the time. I wanted more out of life. I wanted to be able to do more with my children and my husband. And, I wanted to be happy with myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Just listening to the surgeon describe the side effects of each surgery made my decision for me.

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 get scared until the night before the surgery. But, I had never really had any surgeries. I had only experience child birth. I was worried whether or not I was making the right decision. I was just really unsure of everything! My advice is to do what I did, turn everything over to God!

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?

At first, no one really knew whether or not I was serious. They expressed their concerns. I tried the best that I could, to address them all. I wanted, and needed, their support. They have all been supportive. Even when I just lose a pound, they are right there cheering me on!

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

My supervisor was excited for me. She was really supportive. SHe knew that I was doing it to make myself feel better. I was out of work for about 5 weeks.

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

My stay was, unusual. I had my surgery on a Friday. My husband stayed with me Friday and Saturday night. He had to return back to work on Sunday night (he works 3rd shift). Once he was gone, I had problems getting help to get up and go to the restroom, getting washed off, and anything else that I needed assistance with. They wanted you to get up and move around, but yet, they didn't want to help you.

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

I really didn'y have any complications with the exception of having A LOT of drainage from the incision. Mainly, close to the naval area. I had to keep hand towels with me and change the gaze on the sight often. The only other comlications that I have experienced is I had a gallbladder attack 2 months to the day of my gastric bypass surgery. I also experience a lot of nausea and diarhea.

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! I told EVERYONE about it! I really didn't have any anxiety until the night before, and as I have said before, I just prayed and gave it all to God.

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

I was tired. Real tired. I slept a lot. And in a recliner at that. It was hard to lay on a bed or to lay anywhere for that matter. So, me and the recliner become the bestest of buds. I also had to learn to be dependent on my family. I had to have my husband wash my hair, bathe me, and just help out with whatever. This was a hard time to me because I am a VERY independent person.

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

It was in my town. The hospital was only about 10 miles away.

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 really didn't have an appetite. There were times that I had to force myself to eat. I ate a lot of turkey bacon, pork tenderloin, soup, tuna. My stomach coudln't tolerate a lot of things. It takes about 3-4 months before you can handle any diet sodas because of the fizz. Sugar free Kool Aid and Crystal Light becane another good bud. Especially Crystal Light Pink Lemonade. All greasy/fried foods are off limits! Everything should be baked/grilled/microwaved. NO FRIED FOODS!!!

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

Like I said before, I slept a lot. I went to my daughters first basketball game on the Sunday following coming home (I came home on a Tuesday evenind). I was out of the house for about 2 hours and I felt as though I had been out for a long time! I was so tired that I slept most of the rest of the day and into the next.

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

I take a multi vitamin, an iron supplement, and a calcium supplement. Along with my other meds. I also (try) to get in the protein shakes, which are hard because they make me sick.

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 am still dealing with nausea and dumping (I'm 8 months post op). It's actually became part of my everyday routine. I've just started dealing with the hair loss (over the last couple of months). I've just changed my hair style to try to hide it. To deal with the nausea, I have started taking ginger root tablets.

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

Having to learn new eating habits. Especailly after been stuck in my old ones for 28 years and having 2 children and always being on the go. it's difficult.

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

I've not really attended any support groups. I have my family and God. Those are the most important to me!

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

The scar isn't too bad close to the navel area. It's kind of wide up around the bust area. It's ugly to be honest. I really didn't know what to expect with the scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced about 2-3 plateaus. I'm currently in one right now. I've lost 105 pounds since my surgery and I have been stuck there for about 3 weeks now. But I need to get more exercise in and more protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm getting more looks from men. Looks that I've not gotten in the past. I don't get the strange looks at amusement parks or anywhere for that matter. Those close to me, don't treat me any different. They just cheer me on more and more!