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

I have known about bariatric surgery for years, even when it was the "old" surgery of 20-30 years ago. My initial impression was that I could lose my weight on my own.

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

I was very pleased to find that my husband's insurance covered the surgery 100%, minus my deductible. If your insurance doesn't cover this surgery, find as many people under your plan that you can to sign a petition requesting that it be covered and stick with it.

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

My first visit was with the live Light staff during an educational meeting along with 10 other people. We were all able to ask questions and were never pressured or treated as numbers. You can get the most out of your meeting if you do some research on your own before the meeting and ask every question you can think of.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was beginning to have some joint problems, hypertension, and with a family history of diabetes... I just had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did every type of research I could on the subject of surgery. The types, the surgery tools... everything. I am a sweet lover.. I chose to have the RNY so that I would have the greatest chance for success.

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 no fears at all. I was very comfortable with my surgeon, the hospital and the staff. My faith carried me through everything. I knew this was the right thing for me and God would see me through.

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 has been extremely supportive with the exception of one sister who I have chosen not to tell. She is so negative about everything, I just didn't want her to know. She still doesn't know. I'm not sure when I'll tell her. Update 4/1/02: My sister surprised the family for a visit at Easter. She was so surprised. I understand from other family members that she was negative about my surgery... but I expected that. I didn't do it for her!

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

I didn't tell anyone at work until the last possible time. I took off 3 weeks from work, although I could have returned to my desk at 2 weeks. By the time I returned to work, several co workers knew of my surgery. Now I have to parade around them so they can see my loss.

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 Monday and wend home on Wednesday morning. My stay was uneventful. You MUST remember to get up and WALK. WALK< WALK< WALK< WALK<. The more you walk, the better you will feel. I forgot to bring slippers to wear on my feet, so don't forget those. I brought my pillow from home. That helped.

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

I had no complications. I am so thankful for that.

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

My surgery date couldn't get here fast enough. I wasn't anxious, I just wanted to begin my new life. I actually ate anything I wanted, and lost weight before my surgery. GO FIGURE!

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

The first couple of weeks were mostly rest and recoup. I was so tired all the time. I took lots of naps and took my time getting around. By the second week, I was tired of being home. Just follow what your body tells you. If you are tired, SO DOWN> don't over do.

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

I traveled about 150 miles to have my surgery. From Jackson, ms to Biloxi, MS. I made the committment before surgery to follow through with my aftercare. That is SO important.

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 after surgery I was on total liquids. The second week I was on the number 1 baby foods. The third week, I began eating yogurt and cottage cheese, egg substitute, and some vegetables. The fourth week, I started trying new foods. By my second month, I didn't have many problems, except for meat and breads. I'm in my fourth month, and still have trouble with soft bread and some meats. I'm 7 months post op now. I can eat almost anything. I still have trouble with soft breads. It just doesn't want to digest. I'm now 9 months, and can eat just about anything. I still have some minor problems with soft breads.. they just don't break down when you chew.

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

Every day got better and better. The first week was tough, I was so sore from the surgery. By the time I went back to work, I was pretty much okay from the surgery. My first week back at work, I was tired at night. I'm in my fourth month,,,, Energy for DAYS> It's unbelievable. IN my 9 month now.. the energy level is FANTASTIC.

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

I chew two children's viatmins each day and take a liquid B complex daily. I still drink a protein drink every day, making sure I have my protein.

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?

The only time I have vomiting is if something gets stuck which is rare these days. It was about once a week in the beginning. I'm beginning to have hair loss at four months, although some of it may be the change in weather too. I'm 7 months post op, the hair loss was greatest the 4-6 months. It has slowed tremendously... thank goodness I had lots to begin with. I still vomit occasionally, if I eat too fast, too much.

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

The worst part about the surgery process is the immediate after effects of surgery. Getting over the trama of being cut on. After that, IT'S A BREEZE.

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

I attend monthly support meetings in my home town and went to my doctor for aftercare at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, I go at 6 months. I'm not sure after this point... I'm at 4 months now. I went back at 6 months, will go again at 9 months. I feel the support group and the after care are of upmost importance. I just had my 9 month check up. All is fine and I've lost 98 pounds. Dr. Rose said I should lose another 20-30 pounds.

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

I have 6 little scars. 5 or very small about the head of a pencil eraser. one is about 2 inches long. They are getting smaller and fading each day.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was on a plateau for most of my third month. That was annoying. BUT When I remember every diet I was on. I plateaued at 3 months and would quit.... so I kept up my routine and the plateau broke after 5 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men are beginning to notice me know after 4 months and 70 pounds. My husband is even starting to put his arm around me more, hold my hand more, and kiss me more.