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

I learned about bariatric surgery from a friend. At the time it seemed a very drastic thing to do. It was very expensive but I wanted to learn more. The first seminar I attended was very insightful.

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

During all this I learned of the gastric bypass surgery. I went to a seminar and tried to get my insurance to pay. I would not. I could not get approved. My health kept going downhill. Some days my knees hurt so bad i could not walk. There were many things happening to me and I went to another seminar because I wanted to try to get the surgery again. My insurance would not approve it. Still I perservered and tried the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, The Pericone Solution Diet, Flip the Switch Diet. I bought the "Michael Thurmond 6 week body makeover". Nothing helped. Then I learned that the insurance would pay for the surgery, but since my employer controlled the benefits, they would not approve the surgery. My neurologist and family doctor wrote to my company and received letters in response that denied the surgery. They emailed me and stated the surgery would never be approved. I then began looking for other options. I finally borrowed from my 401k and the bank.

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

I had set my heart on the lapband surgery. On my first visit to my surgeon, he told me that it was not a good surgery for me as I had more weight to lose than it could give and would not alleviate my health issues. He went over all the pros and cons and because of money issues, offered to let me pay him in installments. I did not want to do that but he said he was willing to help me on it as I really needed the surgery. I thought that was very noble and for him to offer that, made me realize he was right. So we scheduled the surgery and the rest is history.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally felt that I was not going to make it much longer. I had prayed and prayed and was finally given the confirmation from God. I was seeking the lapband surgery and the cost was $14,400. I could draw out of my 401k plan that exact amount! It seemed a blessing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After my first visit with my surgeon and discussing options, I decided to have the gastric bypass.

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?

Naturally I was concerned about the surgery because it was so drastic. I had thoughts that I would not make it through, but I had to pray and put it all in the hands of God. I had many people praying about it. Ultimately our faith brought us through. I would tell people to pray and talk to their friends and family about the surgery and it's risks. The only thing that got me through is God.

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

After surgery, you are in pain and really cannot move very well. My husband stayed with me as well as my Angel and my Daughter. Without them, I would not have had as easy a time. I was in the hospital for 5 days. The thing most needed was my pillow and toiletries. My house shoes and robe were necessary as you have to get up and walk around. Lip balm and lotion and powders are comforting to have on hand. My cell phone was great because I did not have to pay for the use of the phone. The most important thing you can bring is a positive attitude.

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

I was in surgery 9 hours. My left arm and hand was completely numb. I could move them but had no control. A neurologist came and checked it out and advised he thought it was from the way my arm was laid in surgery. He said the feelings should return within a few weeks.

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 elated to have my surgery date scheduled, but was also apprehensive. It is a huge life change that I was taking and there was some doubts that I could do it. I just tried to let those thoughts pass from my mind and let my faith take me through.

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

I have only been home 1 week. My mother has been my constant companion helping with housework and my needs. She makes sure I do what I have to do. My husband is the one who is really in control of me at this time. He and my mother together are keeping me in line with my protein, meals and liquids. They make sure I am walking and exercising and taking my meds. My mother takes my blood pressure. I have diabetes and they make sure I test often and make sure I take the insulin.

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

I live in a rural community and had to travel approximately 75 miles to have this surgery. I am only 2 weeks out from my surgery and I have not been able to go to any support group meetings because there is really no one that can take a whole day off work to take me.

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 am on a full liquid diet at this time.

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

At first it was difficult to do anything. I am now walking a few minutes every day 4 times a day. I am able to take care of my personal needs. I get up off my couch and do everything I can without lifting or straining.

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

I take the sublingual B12 and calcium supplements. I take the multivitamin with iron daily. I also take the sublingual pepcid.

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 some nausea but no vomiting yet. I have always had sleep disturbances and there has been no change there.

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

PAIN!

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

I have my group meetings, my angel, my family, my Faith. I believe these are necessary for your mental health. The changes being made are difficult and depressing at times and this support is a great tool to overcome it. If you don't have this, you may fail.

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

I had laproscopic. There are a lot of little incisions. I expected this but did not expect the drainage sites.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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