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

Through Bill Gothard's Basic Life Institute's book on health. This organization is very Christian conservative, which gave me an extreme level of trust. Then saw an ad in the newspaper for a doctor in California who performed stapling.

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

Received quick approval. Was very detailed in submitting diet history, medical history, and doctor's records. I wrote insurance a personal letter, as well. I submitted two doctor referral letters.

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

Good first meeting. Nervous. What if he said I couldn't have surgery? Take in written questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Enough is enough. I wanted a life-long agony to end.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted: 1. A well-known surgeon. 2. A procedure that would last, which, to me, was not stapling. 3. Watching and comparing Dr. Fobi's video with other doctor's. 4. Researching over the internet. 5. Calling people who had Dr. Fobi's procedure.

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 was aware of the possibility of death. Though I didn't want to die, I was ready to die insofar as knowing that I would be immediately in heaven with my Savior and Lord. I also knew that to continue as I was could be "death" to me as well. I did not want to continue living as I was, though suicide was never a consideration. What would I tell people? Know that death is a possibility. Be sure that you are right with your Creator. Be certain of your eternal destination. Read the Book of John, especially John 3:16. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9&10. Talk to God; seek Him, and you will be found by Him.

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?

The most important people in my life: my husband, daughter, three special friends, and my pastor were supportive. That was good enough for me. I didn't tell other people. They have all been very supportive!

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

I'm a housewife and loving it.

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

The Bellflower hospital staff was great and very attentive. I was there four days. Bring personal items, especially shampoo, brush, bands for hair, lip chap, good walking slippers, writing material, headset for music.

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

Only complication was having an infection in my tube site seven days after surgery. Should have used triple antibiotic cream. Only used a little alcohol to cleanse. Very painful and irritating. Doctor prescribed antibiotic. Had Ventral Hernia reconstructive surgery March '99.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

My body hurt, but my mind was so thrilled to have had surgery. That helps. Only one time did I wonder if I did the right thing. That was when I couldn't eat what other people were eating at a family gathering. Short lived. Haven't really had too much anxiety about surgery because of positive attitude about it. Because I knew it was the right thing to do. And I had confidence in doctor and procedure.

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

Take it easy. Rest. I had someone come in to do cleaning, ironing, etc.

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

From Alaska to California. Haven't returned for an aftercare visit. Am using local doctor.

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.

Can't eat milk (especially so) and sugar. Too much fatty foods irritate me. At first, yuk to meats and breads At six weeks I could eat almost anything except milk and too much sugar and fat.

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

Very light. Walked every day and frequently. Was careful to follow doctor's orders. (No driving, lifting, etc.)

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

A, B's, D, E, vitamins. Had several B12 shots. Viactive chewable Calcium. Liquid multi-vitamin. Trinsicon (iron)

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?

Naseau. Lasted about three to four weeks. Not being able to sleep well. Last three weeks. Just endured. Knew that each new day would get a little brighter and better! Hair loss is a concern. Loss finally decreased at about seven months.

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

Pain. Nausea.

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

Went to one meeting right after surgery. Dr. Fobi Support Group is 150 miles away. Haven't made one yet because of busy summer. Saw a notice for a general group that is now meeting in my town. Will check that out. I know I need to connect with others who have had this surgery and will do so.

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

After eight weeks still a little tender to the touch. Pinkish. My local doctor said it was one of the best incisions she has seen. That made me feel good. Doesn't bother me too much. It reminds me of the miracle that has happened in my life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Had a two-week plateau that occurred about seven weeks after surgery. Plateau could have been partly because I was eating more, but better.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but that could be because I feel better about myself and am engaging others more. People I haven't seen for a while do double-takes. One lady walked around the aisle in the store, came back, and said, "It is you. I didn't recognize you. What happened to you?"