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

I first found out about bariatric surgery when a friend in college had it 10 years ago and I saw all the benefits and joy that it gave him. It really boosted his self esteem and self image of himself. I then later in life started looking up information on it and watching television commericials and call their 1-800 phone numbers for information. I thought it was a great idea and was something for me, because I have tried every form of weight loss or diet aid out there on the market.

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

I had a great experience with insurance approval. I really didn't have to do anything, the doctor's office did it for me. I am kind of a perfectionist so I just did a follow-up call to make sure that everything was in. The only thing that I had to do was call my doctor's office and let them know what the insurance company did not receive and they faxed it directly to them within minutes and faxed me a copy of item that the insurance company said they did not receive (diet history). I faxed a copy also just to be on the safe side but they received everything and approved it the next day! The only advice I have is to do a follow-up call to the insurance office to make sure that they received everything because the fax do fail at times.

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

My first visit was long but great. They took you through all of your paperwork, psych exams, interviews, doctor's visit and information session. They were very friendly and supportive through out the entire process. You do everything on that one day to cut down on multiple visits for those who cannot take off from work a lot. You can get the most out of the meeting if you call in advance to know what to expect and to bring information on that day (diet histories, letters for primary physicians, etc.).

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My family, health problems, constant gaining and losing weight, my self-image. I hate the way I look! I am tired of stiff joints, heartburn and not being able to do things with my children and granddaughter.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the procedure that my insurance company approves.

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 don't fear complications because I have put it in God's hands. I just say pray about it and have others pray for you and check on the statistics of complications. They are almost the same complications that you would have with any abdomenal surgeries.

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 were very supportive and some said I was crazy because I was not that fat to them. I spoke to my parents, siblings and children regarding the surgery and they are 100% behind me. They said they wanted me to do what is best for my health and happiness. Some people give me negative comments but for the most of them they are in 100% support.

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

They were very supportive and helpful to the decision. I told them that I was having the surgery to improve my health. There were just a lot of questions asked about me really understanding the procedure, is the surgeon a good surgeon, and do I understand that this is a major lifestyle change, etc. But in all they are very supportive.

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

The hospital stay was great. The first day is on the house. Please bring plenty of magazines, books, music, etc., you will be bored the first night but after that, you will bill busy trying to aide the healing process by walking, etc.

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

No, Just Constipation and gas. All I can tell you is walk, walk, walk, push water and other fluids as well as gas medication.

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 very excited when I received my surgery date and the time seemed as if it was passing slowly until I reached that date. I cope with the anxiety by looking on the internet and taking long walks to clear my mind. I started to get impatient but I had managed to keep everything off my mind. I usually go to Obesityhelp.com and read all of the success stories and set my goals to what I want to achieve during each process to get me closer to the date of surgery. I have to go to three different appointments to do all of my pre-op testing but that is fine with me if it keeps me from waiting any longer for my surgery. I am scheduled to check into the hospital for surgery on August 27, 2001 and have my surgery on August 28, 2001.

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

It was not problem for me. Just don't sneeze (very painful). Just walk and you will feel 100% better.

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

I do not have to travel far for surgery. The hospital is located on 10-15 minutes from my house.

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.

My body allows me to eat everything that is prescribed to me on my menu, but chicken breast and pork chops are the hardest things for me to tolerate eating. Now matter how much I chew, it is hard for it to past my ring. I can do it but I just do not like the way it feel when it passes the silastic ring. It is somewhat painful to me.

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

During the entire process I have been very active. I am never tired other than the normal fatigue you feel when it is time to sleep.

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

I take a woman's one a day vitamin every day. I do have times when I forget to take them. I also take protein supplements (GNC protein drinks or protein bars purchased from the Winlife office.

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 experienced hair loss and that was due to the fact that I slowed down my protein intake. It occurred 4-5 months post-op but once I maintained the proper protien intake I stopped losing hair.

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

At the moment it is waiting for the surgery date to come and then fearing that I am going to fail.

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

The aftercare support that is inplemented in the Winlife program is an 5 year aftercare program with support meetings held twice a month. I feel aftercare is going to be very important for me to maintain a secure sense that I will not fail at this. I believe aftercare is going to be very helpful in the continuance of learning to use this surgery as a tool to healthy eating and weight loss. I also have monthly appointments with a behavior counselor to make sure that the psychological portion of my weight loss is maintained in a healthy fashion also. This helps me find and understand my core issues that caused me to be overweight in the first place. It give me a way to overcome my issues, work out problems and find better solutions other than food to solve my problems. It keeps me sane! :)

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

My scar is healing perfectly. I expected a large ugly scar but as I continue to heal, the scar is becoming flat and looks like a dark line going down my abdomen. I had only two problems, the incision opening after a coughing bout at the top and irritation at the waistline where buttons and zippers aggrivate the incision. It itches like crazy but that lets me know that it is still healing. The scar is healing very nicely and look pretty good if I may say so.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had a plateau yet (as pf 2-26-02). I have been on a plateau for approximately two months now, I am stuck between 169-174 pounds as of April 2002, but I am happy at my weight and is wearing a size 10. Once I increase my protein and water again I am sure I will continue to lose more weight. I believe my plateau is due to the shift in my diet dealing with a death in my family. I need to just get back on track and the weight will start coming off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people praise me for the major accomplishments that I have achieved. I have become more popular since I am thinner now. I have lost a few friends because of my weight loss but we are now mending our relationships and they are understanding my life change is for my health and not for friendships changes.