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

In 2001, I saw this surgery on the Discover Health Channel. My initial impression was - that it was an extremely drastic step and that I would NEVER do it. (never say never as they say)

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

I called my insurance to see if they covered gastric bypass. They said they did as long as it was deemed medically necessary and proper documentation of prior weight loss attempts.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

the desire to improve my quality of life.

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?

Well, the fears are real. It is important to enter this surgery as healthy as possible. Begin to exercise and eat healthier PRIOR to your surgery. Avoid the "last supper syndrome" by eating everything you want. Bad thing to do.

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?

Everyone except my 19 year old son was very supportive.

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

My hospital stay was ok. I was admitted on a Wednesday and discharged on Saturday. I did not spend any time in ICU and my surgery and recovery was uneventful. THANK GOD! The hospital provided almost everything you need. I did bring my own personal pillow and slippers. I also brought a CD player and calm music. and good smelling bath and lotion products.

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

No.. Praise God. I had absolutely no complications.

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

Extremely anxious and excited. Just couldn't wait. My surgery was scheduled for 12/11/02. So I was kept VERY busy at work and also trying to get my Christmas shopping done, house cleaned, etc. So I was kept pretty busy which left little time to concentrate on the actual surgery. I think that was a GOOD thing.

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

That was a tough time. It was difficult to get comfortable and to sleep. I was very tired all the time.

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

I traveled about 40 miles. Did not affect my aftercare much. I drove myself to my appointments.

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

I walked on the treadmill three times a week. Did light weight training. I was exhausted after this. But it was worth it.

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

I try to remember to take a MVI daily. I also am on prescription iron and b12 because my levels dropped.

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?

dumping is by far the worse feeling. Sometimes I would wake up at night with my heart racing and dripping with sweat. I would get up and take a shower. This helped tremendously. And also to remember to try and avoid sugar and overeating.

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

I will attend the Hershey support group meetings. They are every 3rd Thursday of the month. I am to contact the nutritionist at Hershey either by email or phone call every week. She answeres questions and gives advice. This is very helpful.

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

My scar is actually MUCH better than I ever expected it to be. I did NOT have staples. When the removed the initial dressing - I only had steri-strips across the wound. It looks lovely. I was extremely orried about this since I am African American and have a known history of hypertrophic scarring from previous surgery

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Although I do not have much of an appetite at present, I am EXTREMELY tired of the limited types of food that I am permitted to eat. I would rather not eat anything at all. Which is becoming a problem in getting my protein in. I am actually NOT eating enough.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people tell me how much younger I look minus the 100 pounds. I feel sexier as a woman. I dress more stylish.