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

Our Assistant pastor had it done. I was leery. I don't like to be cut open. I watched as she dropped the weight and stayed healthy. I watched three more people have it. No more high blood pressure, no more breathing problems. It really gave me a big impression as to my health.

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

My experience was the basic first denial after pictures and letters for self, friends other family members and my 9 year old daughter I was quickly approved within three months

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

My first visit with Dr. Vanek was very informative. Very low key. Friendly. Take a list of questions with you. Even if they seem stupid ask anyway. Hey this a major shock you are fixing to put your body through. ASK!!!!!!!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The last time I was carted out of the church because I could not breath. A man I have known all my life, he is like my dad told me i HAD BETTER GET IT DONE! I knew then if I didn't I would not make it to 35.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Vanek did and I trust him.

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 feared not loosing the weight and always being sick. Trust me the weight comes off. Do, eat, drink, and exercise like the dr. says it works.

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 wwent through an excitement and my friends kept supporting. No I would not have communicated anything differently now. My friends and family were very supportive after the surgury. They still are.

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

not applicable

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

My stay was quick and warm. I was there 4 days. Bring your Bible.

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

Complications. All I can tell anyone of my experience is: The first 10 weeks were a nightmare. I got the flu. My incision got infected twice. My mineral levels went so low I beg Dr. Vanek and his staff just to let me die. Where he told me as long as I was his patient death was not an option. I eventally evened out and healed up. The staff at the wlc were very supportive. Even withte strangest questions. I was only hospitalized twice for complications but I was treated like a queen both times.

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

Because it took so long to get the date to begin with I walk on cloud nine. I don't think I came down till I was in the pre-op room with my mom and my husband about 30minutes before surgury and fear hit. Oh my was I terrified. I developed a reaction to the antibotic they gave me before surgury. I was even more afraid that i wasn't going to have it. I am sure glad that I have a god fearing family all over the United states.

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

Soreness. Hunger. And the smells that used to make you want to eaat will make you sick to your stomach. You will get sick of liquids but don't waiver. It goes by quick. Some or I really should say all the protein drinks are good. Plus you can experiment with them.

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

About 20 miles

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.

Cottege cheese and yogart became a mainstay. I had never tried carnation instant breakfast drinks before. They sure do taste good espically for the chocolate lover in you. Tuna was never my favorite but I at it like a trooper. Canned chicken and ham made me very sick. I cannot eat pork. Bacon, sasuage, chops, roasts ribs ect. Ugh. My family does. Some times I can't eat red meat and then sometimes I crave it. Chicken turkey and shrip have become a regular part of my diet. Also chili. Most can't tolorate the spices, then some of us can it depends on the person. Like I said experiment.

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

I did my best to stay on my feet and walk. Most of the time it was 32 degrees and icy. As long as i kept moving It didn't bother me

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

B1 potassium womens daily c iron calcium citrate prenatal

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?

the 100 days of hair loss. I would wash my hair and immediately wrap a towel around it and then i would sit down to comb my hair it feel out by the handfuls. a womens hair is her crown and mine was was almost gone. the longest 100 days of my life.

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

For me iot was the healing of my incision. All it did was seep.

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

My family that had the surgury and the WLC Were very helpful and of course obesityhelp

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

All except the part that didn't heal in time and stands out and iches like a sore thumb its like my c-section

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

right now. I haven't dropped any lbs but i have dropped at least 2 dress sizes

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yeah. I get stared at alot and more respect. Fro instence. I went into a store at the mall about a year ago. I was still 200+ And the sales ladies wouldn't even talk to me they acted like I wasn't even in the store. I recently went back in and these same ladies were rushing to help me. I was very offended at this and I let them Know that fat people have feelings too.