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

I knew someone 15 years ago who had her stomach "stapled" and never lost a pound. Recently someone came to work where I work who had it done 4 years ago. She looks great. I starting checking everthing out on the Internet, mentioned it to my regular doctor and he recommended Dr. Clark.

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

Great. GEHA is wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone. They approved in less that 2 weeks.

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

Very nice man, who seems to really care about his patients. I couldn't have decided to go through this if I didn't feel comfortable with him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I flew to California for training. I had to have the arm rest removed and an extension for the seat belt. That was the straw that broke the camel's proverbial back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I trust Dr. Clarks judgment and whatever he thinks is best, he will do.

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?

My mother is more frightened than I am. I am not afraid of dying. The Lord is not finished with me yet. I feel that this is a way for me to get my energy back in order to serve him even more. If I should die, my organs may be used to help some another person survive. I love life, but have no problem going to meet my maker. Life is sweet, but heaven sweeter.

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 husband was completely supportive and patient. He has suffered with overweight all his life and knows how frustrating it has been for me, even though he has not been as overweight as I have. My mother was scared but she is so proud of me now. My brother and sisters can't believe the difference. We even discovered that my brother and I favor more than we thought.

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

My employer is great. I will be loaned a computer and will be able to work from home since I will be out for a month. God has really blessed me. I was out of work for 5 weeks, but was able to work at home on a laptop computer. It really worked out great in that I didn't have to take much leave and I could rest when it was possible.

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 4 days. I don't remember much except how sweet everyone was to me. The pain medication kept me pretty much out of it.

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

No complications other than the incision continuously drained for a month. Just taped on a pad and kept going. It eventually healed up nicely.

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 felt a little weak, but after a month, I had a lot of my strength back and felt great, and lighter!

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

I was fortunate to have a laptop at home and work at home for the first 5 weeks. That way if I got tired, I could take a nap. I don't think I would have wanted to go back to work before that 1st month was over. It takes a while to get used to eating normally.

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

2 Miles.

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 first, it was difficult keeping anything down other than soup or oatmeal. After a few months, I didn't seem to have much trouble with anything. I just found that I had to really chew my food up good. One trap you can fall into is too many carbohydrates. They fill you up, but don't stay with you like a protein meal does. After losing over 80 lbs, I found myself carbo loading and gained 10 lbs. I quickly went on a high protein diet and have lost that 10lbs, plus 13 more. I feel much better. I am eating meat and lots of low carb vegetables. Only 40 more pounds to go. I feel that I am using my pouch much more efficently now.

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

My activity level has increased amazingly. My daughter had twins this past summer and I was able to go and help take care of them. Before my surgery, I couldn't even work in the church nursery with the tiny babies, because I couldn't get out of a rocking chair with a sleeping baby by myself. I feel wonderful and wonder why I didn't have the surgery sooner.

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

I have been taking calcium, flax seed oil, B-12, Multi-vitamins. I had a problem with my hair falling out, but the flax seed oil seems to have cleared that up.

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 do experience dumping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness if I sucumb to eating sweets. (Some people think you are starving to death and push sugar at you for some strange reason.)

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

I seem to have shrunk 3.25 inches in height in the first year after the surgery. I think it would be a good idea to have a bone-scan for osteporosis before the surgery so it can be checked the year after to see how you are doing. I now have osteopenia (beginnings of osteoporosis)and am on Actonol for bone loss in my spine. (but I still wouldn't go back to the way I was before surgery) Don't forget to take the calcium!

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

I was going to the support group formed with my Doctor, but ended up skipping it because it is held on Wednesday nights and it interferred with my church work. If it was held on another night, I would certainly attend, because I really think it was helpful.

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

The scar is better all the time. Really don't plan in anyone seeing it other than my husband and the doctor, so it doesn't matter anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I reached a plateau and even gained weight from eating too many carbohydrates. Switched to high-protein plan and feel better and am back on track, using the pouch as intended.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, very much so. I am not invisible anymore. People seem to listen to what I have to say and even take me seriously. I am no longer the big jolly girl. I am now a confident, strong woman. Even though I am the same person, people seem to have a different perspective of me.