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

I first found out about weight loss surgery from my middle sister. A friend of hers at work had the surgery done. She had brought it up during dinner and my parents flipped out.It took 5 years and me almost dying for them to think about it. I was scared at first because it is a full life change but after a while I thought of it as relief from the pain of being unhealthy and miserable. I just wanted a chance at life.

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

It was horrible. I spent almost all of my time dealing with the insurance. The doctors office wouldnt help me at all. I was also dropped from the insurance because they believed I had not joined into school full time. I had the doctors office resend my information to the insurance many times but every time I checked in they stated that they only recieved have of it or none at all. My initial appointment was in june 2007. I Finally got the approval as of November 19, 2007. I hope that anyone else that has this problem you stay on it at all times. It caused me a lot of stress, and I believe that if I didnt stay on it, that I would not of had the surgery done this year. They stated that they had sent all my information to the wrong center and had to transfer it after having the information for months. After switching it to the next center which took a week, it then took almost another month for them to give me the ok. Each representative at my insurance company stated that I would have an approval the next day or in a few days but as I found out, they have no right to give out a date.

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

It was a long appointment. I got there at about 9 and they gaev me a packet of information and a binder. It was so packed that I had to stand the whole time. We eventually saw the doctor and the nutristionist. After that, I scheduled my sleep apnea test and theripist. After that, there was no follow up or anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I tried to loose weight myself. My sister the health freak put me on a strict diet and exercise regimon but it didnt work. I actually gained a pound or two. Finally I was fed up and couldnt take it anymore. I already have lung problems due to a blood clot so I decided that I wanted to live and would give it my all.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctors told me that I did not qualify for thelap band. At first that is what I was looking in to. After talking tot he doctor and researching on my own I decided that it was best anyways.

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 fears that I might go back to eating bad. I feared that I would not wake up from surgery or that something would go terribly wrong because of my luck. I eventually put all my faith into god and let him take my fears away. I believe that without him by my side I wouldnt of made it. It is heard to deal with but I believe that it is something that you have to belive in.

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?

At first they were scared but supportive because they knew that if I didnt do something soon I would not live very much longer. I was always depressed and could not help it. My mother spent most time crying but now she is just happy that I pulled through.. I think that my whole family was at the hospital the night of my surgery and even though they didnt get to see me that night they spent hours there waiting to. It has been amazing on how much support I have gotten.

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

I work for my dad. He owns his own business and my sister works over me. It first she was upset that I would have to leave for such a long time, but my dad really didnt care at all because he knew it was what I wanted. I spent lots of time out of work for doctors appointments which caused my sister a hard timebut it was ok after that.

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

My stay was pretty cool at the hospital. I spent only two and a half days there. All the nurses were sweet and I didnt have any troubles with anyone. I think that the most important things that I brought were chapstick and my cell phone. I also brought the binder that the doctor gave me.

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

The pain ball was the only complication that I had. They removed it and I was ok. I still have some numbness next to my belly button but either than that, I am ok.

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 only had less than a week after I got my surgery date. I was so happy but so nervous. I had many pray sessions with my famioly and friends and talked to some people that have had the surgery. It made me feel a lot better that I knew I was in good hands.

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

Its only been a few days but I am in some discomfort. It is hard to get into and out of bed. Trying to walk around more often and get active. Taking a shower was very hard but Icould not take it anymore. My friend helped me into the shower and wash my hair, since I couldnt bend or move a lot.

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

I only traveled about an hour. I spent most of the time on the way home sleeping because the bumps in the road caused a lot of pain. I was given pain medication before I left so it was harder to stay awake.

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.

I havent been able to eat anything for the first few days. After that, I have been drinking water and crystal light. Chicken broth and jello has been the only thing I have been able to eat.

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

I have been able to get up with the abdominal binder that they gave me. I canwalk around more with it on, with out it I get stomach pains a lot.

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

I take flinstones vitamins and b 12. looking to find liquid calcium citrate.

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 have not had too many problems as of yet. I sometimes wake up at night because of pain.

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

I think the drain sites and pain ball was the worst. After that, I am fine.

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

I of course am on here, and have a few people that have had the surgery with the same doctor. It is awesome to be able to talk to someone that has the same thing as you and had the same doctor.

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

Right now I have many cuts all over my stomach. most are small or little nicks. The others are pretty big but I hope to see them get smaller.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any yet. I have woken up every morning with a smile on my face, even if I am in pain.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Eveeryone is a little nicer right now, I think it is just because I have had surgery but after telling people about the weight I already lost they seemed to be amazed.