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

In school over 20 years ago. I thought it was an answer to many prayers for the obese person. And trust me, after seeing what all they go thru, I never thought it as an easy way out.

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 problems at all! It was like the Lord was watching out for me and leading me in this path. I was injured in an accident 6 yrs ago, which I was left disablied finally. I'm a nurse, but had to quit work 3 yrs ago. Finally getting on SS after the first time applying, then my medicare and AARP went into affect on April 1st. I called the Dr's office, the appointment was made, before I left his office my date was set. I feel very blessed after hearing all the horror stories everyone else has had.

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

Very informative! He answered all my questions, then gave me a video to watch. His office staff was great in reassuring. Dr. Henry Pearce is truly a wonderful caring doctor. His love of life, and for people comes out in each touch.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt it was my last chance at life. To live, because my weight was killing me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Took my doctor's advice after researching all the different procedures

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 can honestly say, I had no fears going into surgery. I was eager and excited. I knew in my heart, I was going to die soon IF I didn't have the surgery. The only fear I had was coming home alone, because I knew how'd I'd felt in past surgeries. But surprisingly I didn't have much pain, mostly tenderness, soreness, but I believe that's because I've lived in such pain the last 6 yrs after my accident, this seemed like a breeze to me.

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?

I have 2 sons. One couldn't be with me. The other one fought me tooth and nail. Said every negative thing there was to say, very non-supportive all together. From yelling at me after each Dr's appointment, about what a waste of his time it was, to just dropping me off at the hospital that morning to have my surgery. That is true loneliness.

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

I am unemployeed at the moment, because of my weight and health. My dream is to go back one day to nursing. I know now I want to reach out and help all those that are fighting this battle too.

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

My stay was wonderful! I went in on Monday May 5th 2003 at 730am in the morning. Surgery at 930am and was up walking by 10pm that night. I knew being a nurse, the ONLY way I was going to make it was to get the move on. Even tho it hurt, I forced myself to move, to cough, to deep breath. I forced my self to stand that night with the aid of my trusty cane. God knows that little nurse wasn't able to really help me! *S* I was hope and sitting here at my desk by Wednesday, May 7th at 2pm. I believe the ONE and most important thing to bring with you to the hospital, is a positive attitude!!

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

The only complication I've had so far, just being 11 days post-op, my incision is draining in 2 places. Doesn't hurt, doesn't smell, I'm not running any fever, not excessively tender. So I just clean it 4 or 5 times a day and keep a clean sterile dressing on it.

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

Each day I've found I can do more and more things. I no longer have to use my cane to walk. Not sure why, because I know I've not lost that much. But my knees feel stronger already. It was a real blessing, because on my 10th day out, I was able to sleep in bed comfortably! I've got more engery then I have in a long time.

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

Well, I'm not really sure on this one! *S* I've had some major, explosive diarrhea. I've learned NEVER to trust that it's just going to be a fart! Each day is new, different and more exciting because it's a new day towards my new life! *S*

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

My doctor's office was about 45 miles away from me. My surgery was on my side of town but still about 20 miles in the opposite direction! The only thing it effected me was the ride home. I felt every bump!

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.

At this point, I'm still on liquids. I've not been hungry for solids, but can't really tell when I'm full!

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

Like I've said, each day it seems I can do more and more. I've always had enough engery for everyone, a drive for life! *S*

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

drink protein shakes, eat protein bars some...take calcium, vit b's , and multi-vit

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 had a lot of nausia, but it went away in the 2nd month post op, now i'm experiencing hair loss. doesn't bother me much, it will grow back and it's only hair!

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

I guess I've been one of the lucky ones, because nothing so far has been that bad. Yes the gas, diarrhea, explosiveness has not been a cream puff, but nothing I couldn't deal with! *S*

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

I never had a support group, the one and only one I found in OKC, everyone seemed so clickish, never talking to me, but over me. I missed that because at times I really didn't know if something was ok, and just wished I'd had someone to talk to about the changes my body was making!

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

My scar is my "real LIFE LINE" I'm so proud of it! For when I look down, I know deep inside, it's what really gave me a second chance in life! *S*

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I've never really known any plateau during my weight loss. Yes there were times, such as Nov to January, I lost only 12 lbs! But I was losing inches, so never felt it was bad. BUT the most important thing was, I had actually gone thru the holidays and lost weight! Might have only been 12 lbs, BUT hey, at least I didn't gain 12 lbs! *S* I LOST!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people do treat me differently. I no longer receive stares, cat calls, name calling, but I believe my attitude has changed as well. I have more engery, more zest for life!