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

I heard about it on the news and read articles on celebrities as well as non-celebs having the surgery and the results. I started looking into it 2 1/2 yrs ago but wasn't ready at that time to have the surgery. I felt I should really give it a serious effort to do it myself. Well,, that didn't work. So, here I am now and I am finally having it done and I can't wait.

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

I had no problems. I just followed the procedures and made sure I met the criteria.

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

It was short. He weighed me and we discussed the procedure and which one I should do, which one I wanted to do. What I had to do to be approved by my insurance company. It was very basic and simple. I asked whatever questions I had, which were few since I had already attended the seminar.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Many things. I didn't want to miss out on any more of life with my children. I wanted to be able to enjoy playing and doing theings with them. I want to have energy, be healthy and be around for my kids for a long time. I want to be able to not wear a bra, I ahate them, I want to be able to shop in the cheap stores and buy myself a wardrobe for $100.00 that usually costs $500.00. I want to take my kids ice skating, they have been asking me for 2 years but my knees just won't let me do it. I am ready to be the real me and though the change is scary as any change can be, I am ready to do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew it had to be the bypass because I don't have the discipline I need to do it on my own or to have the band. I know that having that margin to cheat, I would likely cheat. I don't lie to myself about my shortcomings anymore, I just look for ways to deal with them and to turn it around to work 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 believe that what is meant to be will be. I believe in the lord and that he will keep me safe and he has a purpose for me and it is not my time to go yet. I don't think I will have any complications since I have an excellent surgeon and I have no health issues. I am a quick healer so my recovery should be fast. I am not concerned about anything. My advice to everyone is to feel safe with the knowledge that the lord has a plan for you and if your time is to end now He will do it any way he pleases. You cannot control that. He will not desert you. Pray to him and ask him to be with you through your surgery and your recovery and He will.

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?

There have been mixed opinions about it but everyone is supportive regardless of how they feel about it. I am lucky to have some really wonderful people in my life. They are here for me whenever I need them.

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

I have been discussing this with my employer since February when I decided to have the surgery and they have been very supportive and helpful with everything. They had my disability papers ready for me as soon as I told them about the date. I will only be out of work about 2 weeks. The third week i am working a shorter day.

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

My stay was fine. The nurses were great. I had the lovely pleaseure of getting my period the day after surgery, so the cramps made the experience very uncomfortable, downright painful, for me. You really don't need to bring anything because you sleep most of the time. It's hard to find a comfortable position, I ended up sleeping in the recliner they brought into the room for me. It is very important to walk as much as possible evn if it is uncomfortable. Take your time and push yourself just a little, there should be an occupational therapist to help you with this initially.

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

I had not complications, luckily. Thank you lord. I have had a quick recovery and rapid weight loss. I am two months post-op and have lost 43 lbs. I feel great and am amazed at tht results. I am very pleased I did this. I feel so much better about myself again. I didn't rush to eat things. I have taken the eating very seriously and do what I have to, I eat the right things and take my time every time I eat. That is important. Trying new things is best done after about a month of solid foods. That's the way I did it. I do not tolerate sugar well in most things so I watch the amount in things I eat. I also try to get as much exercise as my energy level allows. It is important, I think, to push yourself just a little harder each time, it builds up endurance and determination. It will build your self confidence also, rediscovering your limitations and pushing past them.

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 am a big baby when it comes to being incapacitated in any way, so it was a little hard for me. I complained a lot. I was not happy I had the surgery at first because of this baby syndrome of mine. I am thrilled now. I love that I have a shape that looks like it used to. I am lighter than before I had my twins. It is nice to feel feminine again. I haven't felt that is ages. It has changed the way I feel about myself but not the way I am, which is the way I think it should be. My energy is just starting to come back little by little. It's a wild ride.

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

I haven't gone to a support meeting yet, I am trying for the next one. I have had a lot of things going on that have been a bigger priority right now. I am looking forward to it. I think it's important to go to the meetings because these are our peers and they can helps us with any questions or problems and we can contribute as well.

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

I heal very well and the scars I have are very small. i have five very small incisions in different places on my belly. No biggie.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateaus are very short. I will stop losing and then I will have about 3-4 days where I feel nauseous and that's my sign that I will start to drop again. Try not ton weigh yourself too often, or if you can't deny the urge then don't get discouraged when you stop losing. Remember, this surgery guarantees weight loss as long as you are doing what you should and following your doctor's and nutritionist's advice. It's fine if youe fall of the wagon, so to speak, just don't make a habit out of it and don't feel guilty, you are human.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, they know what kind of person I am and that hasn't changed. They just compliment me. They are happy for me.