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

Years ago my sister new of some people who had it done (I believe about 15yrs. ago)One did well the other not so well, I also new a girl who had it done,then had it reversed.But what I know today I'm sure they did not have the support needed.So many years latter as I got bigger I knew I needed help. On my local radio station in Houston the Neweigh program was introduced I heard it over and over finially contacted them.It all sounded great, and it was.

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

The ins. was through my husband work Compaq Computers,I believe uni care ,Neweigh submitted the first letter in Nov. of 98, the ins. company came back with a couple of reguest,I followed through with them, and then they approved it for Feb. of 99.Advice be patient, and don't give up.Neweigh is a program who does all the work for you, they are great.They always let me know how things where going.When I got the call from them I could hear the joy in their voice and hearts.I cried with happiness.Someone finially got it!

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

It was good, my surgeon is a very soft spoken man, never once made me or my husband feel like anything else but special.He explained the prcedure he would perform and why he liked that one.He answered all questions and we had many.He gave us time to absorb it all.I think it's important to always have someone else with you during this time because there is so much to hear and ask.Most of all if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, it won't work, you must have all trust in he/she.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finially decided my health was not getting any better actullaly it was getting worse and fast.I knew in my heart I had tried everything else, none worked. I needed help serious help and with research this was it.Yes it is not a cure but a TOOL, and I was ready to use this tool.If I din'nt try I knew I would die mentaly or physically. I was not ready to give up.And I'm glad I did it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left that up to my doctor.He felt comfortable with the VBG, so that was fine with me.

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 have some fear, but like I told my family if I die during surgery at least you know I died knowing I was trying to make my life better.If I don't have this done I will die a solw death.As far as complications the only one I could see was after I had this done if I abused it myself. And I knew that was not going to happen.If you can go this far then everything you tried didn't matter.It was the now that counted....

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?

At first they all said why? We will help you. This is so major. Then I reminded them it was not their fight, it was mine and I must fight it myself.I gave them all I could to read, after they got educated they understood.After the surgery, they are all my best suporters,they allmake me feel so special and let me know how brave they think I was to do it.This I must say means a lot to me.We all laugh now because they are always telling me to eat!!!What a new concept.

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

Well this is good, I have been able to be a stay at home queen for 27 yrs. so the only one I had to answer to was myself. And my decision was good glad your doing it. I was off schedule for about 6wks. but like I said I'am the Queen....And even Queens decerve a break once in awhile.

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

I was in the hospital for 3days.The staff was nice.I sugest though that you either get a private room.Or one with a patient that has had the same surgery. I was not able to get a private room so my room mate was the room mate from ----.Things to bring what ever your doctor or hospital suguest.

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

No none with the surgery, I can't tollerate sugar free items though, so I was very uncomfortable until we figured that out. But I do agree the sooner you get up to walk the better, I walked alot while in the hospital, two other ladies who went in the same day, did not and seem to be very uncomfortable.I was able to leave sooner because of was able to get up and walk.

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 very tired and week, but once I figured out it was because of the little amount of food intake, I was able to come to a balance.I would get very stressed then with the help of my friends and husband together we would figure I wasn't eating enough.I was so afraid to eat,I thought no if I eat how will I loose, but you do.You just don't eat alot anymore.But you still have to eat.

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

Walk, move,walk, move.I know you just had major surgery and your body has been through alot. but you do have to move to keep your system in tune.It was hard also to rest so much.I wanted to do, but did not have the strength. So once I figured that out it got better. Just give it time, it all passes . Then the fun begins.

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

I live in Houston, and my surgery was done in Houston. It is still about 30min. away.As far as aftercare it is downtown and like all big cities it's not always fun to go clear down town.I wish it was closer.

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 3wks. it was only clear liquids,second 3wks. soft foods, such as yogurt,mash potates,cream soups etc.buy 6wks. I could eat what ever I wanted.I went slowly, I introduced different items,some stayed with me some did not. I have no problem with chicken or fish.But red meat does not like me anymore.My problem was I would eat to fast, once I slowed down it stayed down. I eat better when I don't eat alone, someone to visit with inbetween bites is a lot better.You must eat SLOWLY.

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

By the second week after surgery I was able to go window shoping for about 30minuets at a time. then I got tired, but everyday it improved.Buy 7weeks I would ride my bike for about 15min. then it increased,and not a stationary bike either.Then I just moved more and more each day. just last week (7months post op) my husband comented on how he can't keep up with me anymore I walk faster than he does, I had to solw down for him, we laughed as I told him to keep up buddy!!

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

I tried chidren vitamins, liquid vitamins I did not like either.Now I take a one a day vitamin very very small. I did crush them for a long time but that was awful. You must be careful on the size.

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?

Nausia: only when I eat to fast or to much.Same with Vomiting,you will know right away if it is not going to stay with you. No sleep distubace, hair loss it seemed to get thiner but once I starteing eating more balance meals and vitamins it has seem to thicken back up.I still have problems with vomiting, but I know what I have to do.

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

The worst part, having a scar. But it is worth it. I'd do it again.

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

The Neweigh program has a once a week support group. It is a little far for me so I don't like to drive there at night alone. So I am thrilled I have found this sight. I believe support is a must, in a lot of fields not just for wls.

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

My scar is about 6inches.below my left breast.It heeled kinda thick but I can live with it. I can hid a scar I couldn't hide my fat.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The best one was clothes size,then shoe size my friends can't believe I have lost weight in my feet.Then of course ring size. But best was my knees do not give me any troble anymore, I can walk up stairs like any one else now.Also I bought my self a new Mustang, why because I fit!!!!!It drives all the teenagers crazy....I know these don't seem like plateaus to some but they were to me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Mostly strangers they don't realize it but they do. I remember how they treated overweight me.I see how they treat others too.