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

I first found out about it from a Chiropractor. My first impression is can there really be a way to lose that much that easily? I know that there is pain and it will take time, but how much time does it take the normal way? I really am excited about it!

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

My first visit was great. Dr. Warnock explained every detail so that I would not have any second guesses. He also gave me the nubers to 3 people that were post-op and 2 websites to look at to make my mind up. It is best to go in knowing some but really be ready to ask questions and listen to what the surgeon feels is best.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Last year, being only 26, I had a mild heart attack. It finally hit me that my weight could kill me and I wouldn't see my kids grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Warnock only does the RNY because of it being the golden standard for all gastric bypasses.

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 really didn't have any fears. Though if I had a diff. surgeon my fears might have doubled! The biggest thing is to make sure you really want to have the surgery. Also, I am a Christian so I knew that I was in God's hands and that is the biggest comfort of all.

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 thought I was crazy but my friends were very supportive. Now everyone is so impresed by my loss that they can't help but be happy for me.

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 great. I had a wonderful nursing staff that really encouraged me to keep going. I was there for 4 days. I would have been released in three but I was having bladder problems. I thank everyone for their advice on what to bring. Some of the things that helped the most were: gum, slippers, pads and my own body wash and shampoo. What I wish I brought was: hard, sugar-free candy, and a robe that opens in the front to slide over the iv arm.

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

No. Unless you call an allergy to both the staples and the steri-strips. As to those I got blisters but the staple ones healed shortly after the staples were removed. The other blisters, from the steri-strips are still there!

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 felt excited and nervous at the same time. I really didn't get any anxiety until I was waiting in the hospital for the surgery! All I did was remeber why I wanted the surgery and thought of how my family was counting on me.

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

I was fine until I tried to do too much! Never try to over excert yourself! I started really hurting than. Also, I get really tired easy! Walking seems to help both the achyness and my tiredness. It is really hard to stay on the liguids but I was able to by making it a variety each day and each meal.

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

I traveled only 45 minutes away. The only effect it had was that it was a hard drive to take on release!

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.

The first ten days was only clear liquids and soups that aren't milk based. After that it is mush/soft foods for 6 weeks. The only off limit thigs are: beef , whole milk and products made with it and Soda. There are only 2 things that have made me vomit and they were popcorn shrimp and tator tots.

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

Day of surgery to 1st day after: I was able to walk 1-2 laps every 2 hours. 2nd Day after to discharge: I was able to walk 3-4 laps every hour. Day 6 to 10: Able to walk for 5 min. every hour Day 10-present(15): Walk 1/2 mile every other day and the rest of the time I am VERY tired!

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

I tried Teen chewables from GNC and they were nasty! Now I take Walgreens brand Circus Mates. I also have ActiveCal calcium chew,(chocolate!), from GNC that I love. I also have Simply Protien,(again chocolate!), also from GNC that I like a lot!

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

The waiting! Also when they removed the JP tube! That was very painful seeing as I had no pain meds in me at the time!

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

My scar is a little puffy still and pink. I actually thought it would be worse becuase I have over healing skin. But it is worse than some but managable. I would rather a scar than FAT!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus. Since I had lived on this site prior to the surgery I heard of them and knew not to panic. I just increased my water, decreased my carbs and dairy and increased my excersise. Most of my plateaus though were because I had just tried a new excersise and, because i built new muscle, my weight just stayed the same until my body got used to it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! Especially in the hospital. Instead of being told all my medical problems are because I am fat, they actually listen to my complaints! Plus I don't get as many people acting as if I will bite or have something contagious, if that makes sence!