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

I first heard about the surgery when Carnie Wilson had it. I thought that it would be a good idea for me, but was too ashamed to even go for it. I thought that I was weak and pathedic to want to have this surgery. I pretty much believed all those negitive people out there that didn't approve of this surgery....YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.....

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

I may not be much help on this part. My experience was very easy for approval with insurance. I went to the WLS seminar on Sept 4, 2003, had my initial appointment on Sept 25, 2003 and was approved for surgery two weeks later. My first request was approved, and my surgery was on Oct 15, 2003. Humana made it very easy for me to have this surgery, so I thank them first, then my surgeon.

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

My first visit with my surgeon went well. He was very nice, patient, and caring. He took time to answer all of my questions, and even went into some of his weight concerns. He made me feel at ease with my decision. He wasn't in a hurry to move on to the next patient.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I went to my family physician, he told me that I weighed 276 lbs. He kinda gave me a hard time about my weight, and offered to put me on a 1000 calorie diet. I asked him about the WLS and he had nothing but negitive things to say. When I went to the seminar, it made complete sense, and from there, thats when I knew I wanted to have the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the Roux en Y procedure because that is what the docs I chose offerend.

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 stupid and read the obituaries before I had the surgery. I worried about blood clots...actually I feared the blood clots. I would have cancelled the surgery from my fears, but I got on obesity help.com and chatted with a few people and they made me realize that I really wanted to do this. They also said what I was feeling was very normal.

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 was extremely supportive, infact my mother is going to have the surgery within the next 2 months because of my experience. My friends were very supportive with the exception of one of my best friends. She wouldn't call me, or comment or anything regarding the surgery what-so-ever. It's been 3 mos since my surgery, and she still won't talk to me about it. I think she is jealous, but I may be wrong.

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

I told my supervisor about my surgery and she was extremely supportive. She was just worried about my previous surgeries and infections that she didn't want that to happen to me again. I had no problem telling her what type of surgery I was having. I wasn't embarrassed about having the surgery, I would tell the whole world if I could. I was out a total of 8 wks. It would have been 6 but I ended up having my gallbladder taken out 3 wks after my wls. So that pushed my return to work back two weeks.

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 fine. I was there for 3 days total. I would have rather had a private room but that didn't happen. The people in there were good to me. The most important thing to bring would be your slippers. They give you a extra gown so your butt dosen't show. They walk you so much, and if you are in pain they are medicating you, so either you are walking or sleeping.

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

I had no complications from this surgery. Unless you want to count having to have my galbladder taken out 3 weeks after surgery. I wasn't happy about that. I was back in the hospital for 4 more days.

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 kind of mello before I had my surgery. I thought it was strange that I wasn't having many feelings about it. I wasn't anxious, excited, nervous, or scared. I just wanted it over with. I just wanted to start losing weight and start my new life.

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

When I came home from the hospital my husband took care of me, and when he was at work, my sister came over to help with the kids and the house. I owe a lot to both of them for all that they did. It took me about a week if that to get up and move around by myself. I started walking and feeling normal after about 5 days.

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

I didn't have to travel far at all. The hospital I had my surgery at was about 15 miles away. That made it nice for my friends and family to come and see me.

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 week I was home I ate a lot of sugar free jello, chicken and beef broth, sugar free popsicles and water to drink. The second week I ate scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and yogart. The third, 4th and 5th weeks I ate about the same adding some creamed soups and chicken spread also some corned beef hash and cheese. From there I just tried things, pasta and bread are still not my friends. Sugar free koolaid upsets my stomach, and diet soda is out of the question. Ground up meat work the best for me, plus beef jerky and peanuts are good for me too. I don't have a bad reaction to sweets, but I also haven't pushed it either. I can eat a small scoop of ice cream with no affect. But I don't do that often at all.

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

After my sore-ness wore down, I was able to clean my house, go tanning, go for walks and not feel drained at all. I never felt like I just had to go lay down from exhaustion....

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

I taken flinstone complete 2 a day. My doctor says my levels are fine and that is all I need.

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 really have not had any of the above yet. I am 3 mos out. The 4th 5th and 6th week I had trouble with getting food caught in my throat, more like my chest, but as soon as they came up (which I had to make myself do) I was fine. I am not having any trouble anymore.

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

Having to have my gallbladder taken out 3 wks after surgery. They should make this a reg procedure while having the WLS. They know that most people will have trouble with it, so just take it out. I had to deal with getting poked and prodded all over again. They almost didn't find a vein in my arm, telling me they would have to put a central line in my neck. That was the worst part. I healed from that within about a week.

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

I chat on here mostly. I always plan to go to the meetings, but something happens with one of my kids, or my husband so I get on line and listen to what they have to say.

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

My scar goes from breast bone to right above my belly button. They used glue on my incision so my scar really looks nice. Since they didn't use staples my scar dosen't look like a train track. It is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I go weeks at a time without losing a lb. But then all of the sudden I will lose 4 to 7 in a week. It is very frustrating at times, but I understand that this will happen. Easier said than done.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, Yes, Yes.....people are nicer to me now. Its amazing how many stupid people there are out there. For example....this girl I work with came up to me and said, "your so beautiful since you've lost weight". I said to her, "was I that bad before". She didn't have a response. Maybe people are nicer to me because I have a better attitude, I don't know.