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

My mother-in-law told me about a friend that had the lap band proceedure and decided to look into it.

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

It took me two years altogether.Mainly because I didn't get all of the instructions before hand. Once I got all of my information together and got it sent in it didn't take too long. So my advice would be to get all of your facts straight before starting the process. It should go much smoother that way.

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

I first met my surgeon the night of my first informational meeting, he was speaking there. I endedup choosing him to be my surgeon. It was quite some time later before I had my consultation. He was very informative and answered all of my questions. He's very professional, but he is a very nice man.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After two years of thinking and waiting, I was sooo ready.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Dyer at the first meeting talked about all the types of surgeries there were and from all the information I had read I decided to go with the roux-en-y.

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 realistic I knew the risks, I even told my husband what I wanted in case I died. But I was so mentally prepared and confident in the Dr. I also did what I could to insure a healthy recovery. I had my teeth cleaned. I got my flu shot. I totally cleaned my house. I washed my sheets. I also made sure I left Sat. and Sun. just to spend with my husband. It was my first overnight stay in the hospital. I was a bit nervous, but I had no fears.

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?

Some approved and some didn't. I was honest and open. I can't be any less. Everyone is now supportive. They can see a difference in me already.

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

I'm not working at the moment so it wasn't an issue.

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

It was strange, like I said I'd never spent the night in a hospital. It was busy. The nurses and aides were so helpful and supportive. My hero is Mac he worked nights. I called him a bully because he was always pushing my breathing practice, my not walking enough, my not going to the bathroom. I don't know wat I would have done without him. He is the one I remember the most and wish that he could work with every patient. He helped me realize that I had to do these things if I wanted to get out of the hospital by the scheduled date. I have no complaints.

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

None whatsoever. Hallelujah.

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 in pain. My husband did everything for me. On the whoe I've been very positive no real anxiety. I have had a few low moments and have allowed to let myself cry. I miss food. Usually everything is fine but it is hard. It truly is life changing in more ways than one. A very drastic one. No more popcorn during a movie, no more midnight snacks. It's all new and you have to come up with ways to deal with it, because once you've done it , it doesn't go away.

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

Concentrating on helping my body heal. I had a lot of head hunger. Withdrawl. I'm still dying for a diet pepsi. Follow the Dr.s orders. Your body will hurt for a while. Relearning how to eat is the hardest part. I'm still learning.

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

About a 45 min. drive. It hasn't been a problem.

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'm only a month out so I'm still learning. So far nothing within the guidelines have been off limits.

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

I walk every day. When my body is totally healed I'm going to start aerobics.

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

A multi vit. Vit B12 calcium citrate

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?

My main problem was nausea. But I was drinking too soon after I ate. I also learned that drinking something warm after my half hour wait like tea helped tremendously.

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

The actual surgery itself.

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

I started attending a support group in Spring Hill TN. It has been helpful. I have made new friends and they are friends that I share a common bond with. I believe it is very helpful andvery important.

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

They're not fully healed yet so we'll have to see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My family is pleased and tell me they can tell a difference. But noone has treated me better or worse.