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

Television shows. I started investigating. I saw 5 surgeons before desciding on Dr. Sonnanstine at St. Luke West (Florence, KY).

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

MY insurance denied me because my BMI was .05 to high. How can you be too fat for weight loss surgery. I started writing letters to insurance and human resources, along with having my surgeon write an appeal, along with my primary care, nephrologist, orthopaedic, and pain specialist.

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

GREAT, because of Dr. Sonnanstine's caring and well educated services I had the support of my husband to finally do something about my weight before it killed me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to die before my kids grew up and got married and had kids.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As I suffer from Chrones there was not choice it had to be lap band.

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 did not really think I would have any problems. Althought I did get a port infection and then in recovery after having the port removed suffered a stroke. I still do it all again knowing what was to come, as I have lost 55 pounds and am feeling much better, the Dr's say I am getting healthier. I make sure to visit the gym 5 days a week to work out. As the surgery is not a quick ifix but a tool to help me lose the weight.

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?

I only told certain family and friends as I did not want someone to try and talk me out of it or tell me it was the "easy way". I worked hard to lose the 55 pounds. I have muscles to show for it.

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

I informed my office manager only. She was very excited for me as she is a health nut and was concerned about my weight.

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

I stayed 2 nights and 3 days. I was a great room with great nursing staff. FInd out what the hospital will supply ahead of time. Shave your legs a week before surgery, so as not to have any fresh cuts but smooth legs. Incase you want lotion rubbed on them.

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

I suffered a port infection but after calling my surgeon he was on top of things. I had my port removed and then suffered a stroke at which time I was transferred to a level 1 trauma center for treatment by the "Stroke Team".

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 so excited I could hardly contain myself. I did a lot of walking and meditaiton.

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

It was difficult drinking the protein shakes and not having anything to chew.

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

Approx. 13 miles and over the state line.

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.

Any fatty, or sugary foods are off limits. Bread is very difficult it tends to make me sick and I have thrown up ...so I don't eat bread.

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

Two weeks after I joined a gym and started going everyday. Until my stroke then I took 3 months off and did physical, occupation and speech therapy at home 3 times a week. After receiving clearence I am back at the gym 5 times a week.

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

I take Iron, Folic Acid, Multi-vitamin, Vitamin D, Omega 3. What ever the Doc tells me to take.

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?

Nausea was the worst along with vomiting. Once I figured out what would make me sick, I nolonger ate it so I don't have that problem anymore.

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

THe wait for approval and finding a great surgeon. SO many doc's take a weekend seminar and I feel that is too risky. THat is why I chose the only fellowship trained doctor in the Tristate Area.

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

We have a support group that meets the 4th tuesday of each month, plus the staff at the surgeons office. LOts of support.

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

Much smalller than I thought. Looks great and barley can notice it 6 months out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since I am still without a port and can't have a band fill. I thought I as at a plateau then I met with the neutritionist and changed my workout routine. It helped.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, some smile at you more...or maybe I smile more. I get the you look great comments alot.