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

I had seen things on tv thoughout the years and even spoken to doctors back when I weighed in my 200's. But I was afraid and didnt research enough to really make a commitment. At my highest weight of 449, it was time. A couple of years earlier I had called Dr. Birkitts office to request information and he had a 2 year waiting list. In January of 2002 I decided something had to be done, I called my PCP and made an appt. The Sat. before my Monday appt with my PCP, Dr. Birkitt's office called and told me my name was up on their list and that to me was a sign from God. The time for a change in my life had finally come. Then when I went to my PCP, I cried and he comforted me by saying Julia you cry because you know that a solution is at hand and that finally your struggle will soon be over. That day I loved Dr Cleveland, my PCP and that day he won me as a loyal and faithful patient for as long as I live in this area.

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

Bluecare approved me within days. They have been good to me and I appreciate them so much. The only thing I can say is that my whole experience was guided by the hand of God, because I couldnt have had smoother sailing in getting everything I needed to have surgery.

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

It was informative, I was so prepared and read on the surgery that there wasnt much he could tell me that I didnt already know. Have questions prepared to ask. Write them down and take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Thinking about it and making a pcp appt and then having the surgeons office call me out of the blue, telling me that my call 2 years earlier had put me on the list and that now it was my turn. It was a sign.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reserch. RnY has the highest success rate. I put total trust in my doctor on what was best 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?

If your a believer put your trust in God, if your not a believer, then become one. Also the book and tape Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster was a tremendous help in preparing and calming nerves before surgery. Everyone is going to have that fear of death in the back of their mind but, I had complete faith that this was being guided so all my faith was in positive thinking. Never allow the negative to creep into your thoughts. The second it does cast it out and move forward. Spending time on obesityhelp.com helped me tremendously in staying calm and having something to do with my time while I waited. All the before and after photos were great encouragement.

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 has been 110% supportive! LOL my family knows I do what I put my mind to anyway. Any attemt to delay me will only make me work harder to get it done :)

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

I am a full time student and not working at the time so thank the Lord that was not a concern for me.

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

I went home on the 4th day and I couldnt have asked for a better stay at the hospital. Wellmont Bristol Regional was professional and caring and completely reassuring as professionals. Bring chapstick, lotion and deoderant and your own shampoo unless you dont mind using baby shampoo. Other than that they supplied me with everything else.

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

NO complications here. I had donated a kidney at the age of 18 to my brother so my doctor had to go through alot of scar tissue and he removed most of it so that is good to know.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Well, I was annoyed that it was 35 days away, another month to wait, so I took an intensive Spanish grammer class that lasted 3 weeks. It kept my mind busy, and for the last 2 weeks I read up on the prepare for surgery heal faster and got the tape and started using it to meditate to prepare my body.

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

1st week expect pain and have a recliner because you wont be able to be comfortable in a bed. Im still at 1st week so I will update more later. Oh and trick for those of us who dont own recliners. Call a rental place, the bring it to you and you can rent it by the week, then when your done you call them and they pick it up at no cost. This was a lifesaver for me.

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

I only had to travel 40 minutes so that is no bother at all.

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, Liquids first 2 weeks then pureed for 5 weeks after that, my doctor had 5 stages first 3 in hospital and then last 2 in aftercare. I have done best with surgar free carnation instant breakfast as my protein sub for now. 5 months out now-Can eat whatever, I dont eat sugar! Pasta makes me nausious.

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

Im in 1st week still and walking distance of going to mailbox 4 times or doing double that distance 2 times a day. Get a walker or rent one it so helps because your belly is swollen and heavy with liquids still. 5 months out exercising 5 times a week and now weight is dropping good since I started exercising.

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

I take 4 tums a day for calcuim and a complete multi chewable (Scooby-Doo) hehe I now use chewable calcium, carmel and choc its really good. Taking B12 also.

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 no side effects yet and I pray I never do! Was given a med my surgeon for nausia but I havent had any. Like I said before first 2 weeks sleep in a recliner. 5 months out Hair loss is bad, get nutri ox or something to slow it down.

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

The waiting!

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

I go to a Tri cities support group. It is very good to meet people and share experiences

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

Scar in good condition. Yes its what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have had just one. Since I started exercising, weight is dropping well!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I still have a way to go however people are really noticing and complementing me alot.