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

while working as a CNA; I was at first a little scared of it, because of taking care of patients that had complications. I later found out that the complications were caused by the patients themselves, not taking proper care of themselves, and over doing the food.

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

My insurance was great! my letter was sent in on 1/13, and I had approval by 1/28. My surgery was 2/16. Couldn't have gone faster, or better. I can't really give any advice, because I didn't have any problems!

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

It seemed a little impersonal; but very informational. Take a notepad and write your questions down to ask after the meeting; because you WILL forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that my insurance would cover it pushed me over the edge. There is NO way I could have been self pay for this. I have 3 kids in a million activities and that drains my wallet pretty well! :)

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

recovery time for lap was so much better than open, it was no contest for 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 went into the surgery with the greatest of confidence! I spent many hours in prayer prior to the surgery, and Dr. Kirk came in right before the surgery and asked me if I had said my prayers, told me that he did, and I was SO comforted by that. My biggest fear was that I would be sick afterward. That nothing would agree with me, food wise. So far I haven't had anything to make me sick. my best advise is to pray alot for peace about the surgery, and listen to what God puts on your heart. If you are not a praying person, become one.

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?

They were a little worried. Especially my Dad. He kept telling me, "just watch what you eat, and you'll lose it". He has never had a weight problem a day in his life, obviously! My husband was ok with it. He said that if it would make me happy, to go ahead, and he would stand by me. (he just wants his skinny wife back! lol)My kids were a little scared, especially when they saw me right after the surgery, but I assured them I was ok, and they calmed down. Everyone has been great since the surgery!

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

VERY SUPPORTIVE. I let my sup. know what was going on, and he was very helpful with everything. I have a GREAT BOSS!! I was out for 3 weeks.

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 from Monday afternoon to Wed. evening. I have nothing but good things to say about Southcrest, and the staff on the third floor. They were extremely attentive, and very on the ball with requests for pain meds. I rate them a 10!! I would suggest to bring something to read, socks and CHAPSTICK!

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

None whatsoever. I am doing great

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 have felt great so far. It has been one month, and nothing has cope up yet. I didn't feel hungry at all for the first 3 1/2 weeks; and I haven't felt deprived of anything. I feel really, really good.

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

Everything has been really good for me, aside from just soreness from the surgery. I felt no hunger, and tolerated everything I have tried very well. My biggest and best surprize was the QUICK weightloss. I could wear clothes that I had been "saving" in a box for 5 years. When I started trying things on, some of them were even too big!

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

I live in the Tulsa metro area. It was only about a 20 minute drive.

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.

so far, nothing has made me sick. I have tried things ranging from refried beans, to chicken, to vegetables; and I even ate about 5 m&m's. (I was satisfied with just 5, if you can believe that!!). I am still afraid to eat too much bread, because I don't want it to get stuck; but so far, so good!

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

The first 2 weeks I just laid around and rested as much as possible. The 3rd week, I went back to work, and every day, I feel stronger, and more "up".

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

I am taking a vitamin that comes in a spray form, as well as B12 drops. I am also taking GNC strawberry protein powder mixed w/ skim non fat milk (Viva is good)

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?

No nausea, no vomiting, no sleep disturbance (after I quit taking pain meds! :) ); no dumping, and so far no more hair loss than I had before surgery. I'm boring...sorry:)

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

The NG tube, and the JP drain tube in the hospital. It felt really yucky! and when they were removed, it felt like they were coming all the way from my toes! But, when they were gone, the feeling went away after about 5 minutes or so.

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

support group through Dr. G's office. I have only gotten to go to one meeting, but it was really informative. I enjoyed it. PEople who have been there are really helpful in giving you info.

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

I have 6 little scars. Right now they are still red, because they are so new (one month), but they will look really good with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet. Lost 24 lbs in 2 wks. and have been steadily losing 2 lbs/wk.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes. They have been complimenting me alot more. I think I am taking more time with my appearance now, though. Before I was trying to hide all the time, and since surgery, I have gotten a new haircut, and started wearing nicer clothes.