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

I watched a special on 48hours about a mother and a daughter having it done, and I really thought this this was what would save my life from heart ache and pain.

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

Well I really had no problems getting approved. My doctor sent in the request and within 48 hours I was approved. I was very lucky.

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

My first visit was very encouraging because other patients that had already had the surgery were there. They were telling all of their stories and how much weight they had lost. My doctor is wonderful, and seems to really care about every detail of everyone of his patients. He is a a very caring and loving man. In order to get the most out of the first visit, do all the research that you can ahead of time so you know what questions that you need to ask or you have concerns about something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided which proceedure would benefit me the most. He chose the Open Rouxen-Y proceedure.

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?

My biggest fear was dying and leaving my daughter alone with out her mother. But I prayed and asked God to lead me in the right direction. I used to tell people who asked me if I was scared of dying, that I would rather die doing something to make my life better on that operating table than to die at home from being overweight and have to be buried in a piano box for a coffin.

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?

Well they were a little aprehensive at first especially thinking how young I would be dying. And alot of people asked why didn't I just go on a diet and try losing weight or you must be cheating. People are so closed minded especially when their not in your shoes. My family, friends, and co-workers were very supportive.

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

My boss was very supportive, but my boss is also a woman so that made alot better. They were very happy that I was making this decision. I was out of work for about 6 weeks. I could have gone back sooner but my doctor will not release his patients for work until you are 6 weeks post op.

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

My stay in the hospital was excellent. The nurses were wonderful and nice and never left me to wonder if anyone really cared that I was there or not. I was there 8 days. I would say just something to keep you motivated. My doctor made reminder signs for me that would constantly remind me to look through the pain and think about where I am going to be a year from now.

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

No I really didn't have any complications, other than the pain.

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 in alot of pain for about 3 weeks. My doctor uses staples to close the inscision so I was constantly scared about breaking it open and stuff. Once I got the staples out my pain just disapearred.

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

Like I said earlier, I was in alot of pain from the inscision. You will be alot slower to and you have to make yourself get up and get moving because you will just sit there and get depressed if you don't.

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

I traveled only about 40 minutes. It didn't affect my aftercare 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.

After my surgery I couldn't hardly eat anything without getting sick and throwing up. My doctor discovered that I had a narrowing of my esophogus so they had to go in a stretch it a little bit to let me eat. Ever since then I can eat just about anything, which is not a good thing. I love not being hungry though, that has to be the best thing so far

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

I was very slow moving, but I had to get up and get moving or I would be very depressed.

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

I take 3 flinstone vitamins daily. And I drink orange juice for my vitamin C.

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 had extreme nausia for about the 1st 3 months or so and that was horrible. My hair kind of depressed me, but it is starting to grow back now. I only get dumping when I eat sugary foods so I tend to stay away from them.

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

The worst part the pain after surgery if your not expecting any incling what it is going to feel like your in for a shock

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

I am not currently in a support group, but I hope to join one soon.

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

To me my scar looks horrible, but I have never had anything major like this done so I didn't expect it. It has healed and faded alot though since the surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit a plateau about a month ago. I was losing 25 - 30lbs a month and now I slowed down dramatically to like 10-15lbs. Now I am scared at what I am doing wrong.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes... especially the men. Everyone talks more to me and are more open to me.