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

I heard about bariatric surgery as a child. My mother was morbidly obiese. It was considered very dangerous then. I thought only someone that was afraid that they were going to die would consider having the surgery. In 2003, I believe it is much safer but there are still risks to consider.

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

I have Medicaid. They would rather pay for the surgery and save money on doctor bills and medicine in the long run. With this surgery out of the way I hope to return to work and be a productive person.

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

He went over my medical records from my pcp. I had lots of documentation on the diets I had tried. I even wrote down the ones that I tried without medical supervision. I already had done a great deal of research. The doctor was very thourough. He went over the risks first. With me, the benifits out weighed the risks. Before you go to the surgeon, make a list of questions that you need answered. It is better to make a well informed discision then an ignorant one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I gained back every pound I had ever lost on a diet and gained up to a top weight of 404 pounds. It was have surgery and loose some of the weight or die a premature death.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had read that with the amount of weight that I needed to loose, that I would be better off with gastric bypass surgery. With this surgery, it would make my stomach smaller and also have a small amount of malabsorbtion going on. My surgeon varified this. I trusted him with my life.

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 knew in most respects that I am a very strong person and believe I can make it through anything. I prayed about it and had complete peace about having the surgery. The Lord told me in my heart, that it wasn't time for me to go home, that there was alot left right here for me to do. I've always believed that when it is your time, nothing can stop it. I won't go anywhere until it is my time.

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 and friends were very supportive. They know I am an intelligent person and make informed decisions. They knew I was doing this to be a healthier me. I can honestly say that they have all been my cheer leaders.

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

I had just finished two years of college. The surgeon wouldn't schedule me for surgery until I graduated. I was mad at the time because I wanted it "right now". In hindsight, I can see how right he was. It took me two months to get back on my feet. I couldn't have had a two week break, had the surgery and returned college and work that fast. I am up to pare now and looking for a full time job.

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

I felt like I was in a 5 star hotel. The people were great and I didn't even mind when I needed to stay an extra day. The nurse in the ICU unit had gb surgery, two years before and she looked beautiful. I always take too much stuff when I go anywhere. I didn't need the gowns or robe, the hospital provides them. I couldn't wear underwear right away.I brought slippers to walk in. Hair brush, tooth brush. I brought my medicine just in case, but didn't need it. I brought some reading literature and some stationary. It is a good idea to bring a small fan because you sweat after surgery. I was lucky that they found me a fan. It would have been unbearable without it. It was July and my hair was soak n wet! Most important, bring femine napkins, even if it isn't your time of the month, because you will start a day or so after surgery.

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

No problems here. Feeling better and stronger all the time.

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 super busy. It keeps you from hashing and rehashing the same thing over and over again. I told the Lord if I had made the wrong decision, to show me. Instead, I had perfect peace about it, right through surgery.

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

I had no problem with my legs. I could walk all day long, but I felt weak throughout the rest of my body. I did what I could. Tried to move as much as possible. When I got hot, it would make me sick to my stomach. I learned to always carry bottled wated and something in my purse that I was able to eat.

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

I traveled one hour and a half to the surgeons office. It was well worth the drive. I have complete faith in my doctor and have greatly benifited from his care. When doing something like this, get the best. I enjoy driving, so the distance wasn't a big deal.

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 followed the diet preciously. I didn't proceed to the next stage until I was told I could. At 3 1/2 months, I still haven't eaten bread, or anything with regular sugar in it. I think it is better to stay completly away from it for now. As far as I know, I can eat just about anything. I am hoping the sugar would make me sick, but probably not, because nothing else has bothered me.

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

I have very strong legs and walked an awful lot. I didn't want to get a blood clot. The rest of my body felt weak though until I started getting my B12 shots. The doc said I needed an extra shot each month. By the time I was three months post op I was walking three miles a day.

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

Flinstones Plus, calcium, B12.

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 tended to get sick when I got too hot. I did throw up a few times but it wasn't a reaction to the food itself. I tend to throw up very easy. I can't even brush my teeth without at least gagging if not throwing up. I am losing some hair but know from experience it will fill back in on its own good time.I don't think I threw up any after two months post op.

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

Waiting until the time was right. My pcp made me wait one and a half years before she would refer me to the surgeon. Then I waited six months for my appointment with the surgeon. The day before the appointment, the surgeons office called and asked me how much I weighed. I told them and they said they couldn't see me. This was after a six month wait for the first appoinment. I cried after I got off the phone. My pcp gave me the name of another surgeon a little bit further away. They had no problem with my weight or the fact that I had Medicaid. This extra wait was in my favor. I ended up with a much better doctor. The reason the other doctor wouldn't see me was because he didn't want to bother with patients that might end up needing to have the operation done open. Then I had to wait 6 months after I saw the surgeon for the first time, although insurance approved it right away. Doctor didn't want to operate on me until I finished college. He was a very wise man.

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

Aftercare support is very important. I wouldn't dream of going through this process without it. It helps to talk with others that are going through the same thing, especialy those further ahead of you. I go to TOPS weight lose support group. I belonged to this for years and it is great. I hope to go the the gastric bypass suport group at the hospital soon. Right now it is too far to drive until I find a regular job.

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

I have a six inch scar with the little dots on both sides on it from the drain tub and stitches holding the gause in place the first few days after surgery. It started out a very bright red but is fading with time. I was hoping for lap surgery but ended up being done open. I am pleased with the appearance of the scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Even though I do things the way I'm supposed to, I have noticed short one week plateaus. I just keep eating protein first, drink 64 ounces of water and walk as much as possible.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have pretty much always been nice to me. Men have always opened doors, pumped gas for me, stuff like that.I know I feel better about myself. I was afraid of not getting a job because of my weight.