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

It was suggested to me years ago and I would not even consider it. Last year I had just had enough and started doing research and upon doing so, made my decision to do it for me.

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

I had no problem with this because I had Medicare. My advice? If you think you're worth it ( and of course you are), fight for it.

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

My first visit with my doctor was wonderful. He was informative, respectful of trepidation, kind and did not hurry me at all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided it was time to do something just for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left it totally up to my surgeon. I felt he knew what he was doing and I had complete faith in him and my GOD.

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 had none. I know this may sound unreal, but truly I went into this with my eyes open and yet had complete faith in my surgeon and what I was doing. There was no room for self doubt or any other kind of doubt.

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 sones were totally against it. My daugter, well I told her I would be glad to address her concerns but I would stand for absolutely NO Negative Talk whatsoever. and that if she couldn't find a way to speak positively about it and support me then she was to keep quiet.

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

This did not apply to me. I am disabled with Arthritis and was not employed.

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

I was treated with kindness, caring and respect. I was in hospital for 3 days. It was a good experience. I was not sickly at all. I brought a teddy bear with me (I collect them), that my best friend gave me in my bag and Jesus in my heart.

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

I had no complications. I vaguely remember having to have an xray to check my esophagus but all was fine. I was unable to lay on my side and I can't sleep on my back, but I learned. I was not sick at all after the surgery. I had no vomiting whatsoever.

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 anxious but not with trepidation at all. I couldn't wait to get it done. I was not nervous at all. I just had complete faith in my doctor.

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

I had a lot of gas and the gas made me a little nauseous. But if you walk, the gas moves and you feel better. Once I got that message, I was fine. I got sick of liquids, but did it anyway. The rules are there to follow. If you follow them, you'll have less trouble.

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

I traveled one hour and fifteen minutes to the hospital. Was that a problem? NO. I made a commitment and for once I was going to keep it. My aftercare was just fine. No problems. I had to travel for it but it wasn't a hassle for me. I hated the Jackson Pratt Drain, but one that was out, I was flying high on happiness.

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 only thing I cannot eat is boiled dinner. I can eat cabbage steamed by itself and ham by itself but not together. I could pretty much eat anything. At first I stayed with small amounts of soft food and gradually went to veggies (non gassy), potatoes, squash, carrots etc and fruits. I also took my vitamins like I was supposed to. the Flinstones Vitamins didn't agree with me, so I went back to the ones I'd been taking for the past 10 years and all was fine. Also I drank Insure, instead of Carnation. It agreed with me more.

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

At first I let my husband wait on me and I sat in my recliner. The gas was awful (my only complaint), so JC said to get up and moving, I did, the gas was history. So being sedentary is not the answer.

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

I get my multiple Vitamins from Trader Joes in California. I have been taking these for 10 years. My sister picks them up and send them to me. When I started losing my hair, I doubled up on my multiples (2 am & 2 pm), got some hair vitamins at Wallmart and voila the hair stopped falling out.

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?

nausea yes, vomiting no, sleep disturbance some, dumping no,hair loss yes (till I doubled up on my multiple vitamins and started taking hair vitamins). My hair started falling out at month 5 and stopped at month 7 when I increased my vitamins etc. Part of the area at the end of my insicion sticks out. I think it's a hernia. I know this will be taken care of when I have my panniculectomy, so I don't care.

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

Not being able to lay on my side for a couple of weeks and the gas.

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

The WeighLess Support Group that I attend in Augusta which is 1 hr and 15 minutes away, is worth my time and trouble to travel there. It is imperative to continue to be healthy, to stay on track and it shows how successful all of this really is. You have but to attend one and listen to each post op stand and give his/her surgery date and their weight loss, to comprehend the immense success of this surgery.

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

I had has several surgeries before this one, so yes it was what I expected. It is a dab longer than I thought it would be but when I have my panniculectomy, some of that will probably be gone anyway and if not, hey who cares. I don't. No one sees it but me and my hubby. I consider it to be my medal of honor.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm in one now and I hate it but I'm not dwelling on it. I power walk 3 days a week and the inches are still coming off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Maybe a little. Isn't that sad. But I smile a lot anyway, so people smile back at me.