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

Al Roker via his People magazine article. I figured it was only for wealthy people. I didn't deserve the surgery because I didn't try hard enough to lose weight. This was the "easy" way out.

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

Slow & steady will get it done. I had a lot of roadblocks & insead of getting frustrated with the system, I followed the system. I also have a strong faith in God & figured that if it was His will, I would have the surgery.

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

I adored him. He was so kind & here was someone who actually verbalized the frustration of my weight. He actuall "got it." I was a person & not just weight. I had researched so much on my own that I didn't really have a lot of questions. Just listen & most important, take notes, you'll forget everything the surgeon tells you the minute you walk out the door.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was diabetic, had high blood pressure, my body ached & the surgeon told me that my life expectancy was 33% less than that of a normal weight person. Basically I was scared & didn't want to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was easy....I educated myself & RNY procedure fit my lifestyle. It's an individual decision.

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?

Again, I was educated & put my faith in God. I never felt afraid or worried. I would suggest that if you have some fear, get more education. Read everything about the surgery, your surgeon, the procedure, etc. You fear the unknown, but you aren't a failure because you are afraid.

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 surprisingly supportive. I researched a whole lot before I told people. I was excited & it reflected on the way people supported me. My dad was the most concerned, he wanted to know what would happen if I wanted to eat pie. He just didn't understand that eating pie wasn't that big of a deal to me.

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 my employer what type of surgery I was having. My manager used to give me a difficult time with my weight & I didn't think it was any of her business. The day before I left for surgery a coworker found out & told people that I was taking the easy way out. When I talked to my manager, she took my coworker out for lunch to discuss my situation. I no longer work at that company. My new company is super supportive & encouraging.

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

Hospital stay was fabulous. I was there for three days because my kidney's didn't want to "work." I was walking within 12 hours of surgery. No complications. Fabulous nursing staff. Bring a pillow & that's it. The hospital had everything. I thought about a book, but I wouldn't have touched it.

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

None

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

A day after I got home from the hospital I helped my parents herd some cattle. I walked into the field behind the cows. I was exhausted, but it felt so good to walk. I had no anxiety.

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

I didn't feel like eating anything. A couple sips of broth, a bite of Jello & I was done. I just really wanted to sleep/rest.

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

About 10 miles. No problems here.

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 tried eating lots of things as soon as I could. I make some wrong choices sometimes. I did throw up many times (still do) usually when I eat too fast. I will eat/try anything, I just don't eat a lot of sugary foods, bread, rice, pasta, high carb foods. I don't eat fruit (too much sugar for me); I've become lactose intolerant now, so no milk. I live on salad, chips & salsa/guacamole, chicken breasts & turkey.

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

Lots more activity. I had lots of energy. One thing, I did become a bit dehydrated & so I increased my water intake & totally had more energy than I know what to do with, I still do & it just gets better each day.

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

Multi-vitamin (Flintstone's chewable); B-12 sublingual "dot"; Biotin; B-Complex; chewable Citracal calcium

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?

Hair loss....I started taking Biotin & now the hair loss is much less. I have thick hair, so it was more annoying than noticeable. To be honest, vomiting made me feel better. Only happens once in awhile now, usually if I eat too fast.

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

Not doing it earlier in my life!!!!

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

Monthly support meetings. They are wonderful. I haven't been able to go to them as much as I want, I'm busy doing things that I haven't been able to do before!!!! Lots of checkups with the surgeon & staff. I feel very much cared for by my surgeon.

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

My belly looked like an arial view of Stonehedge, 6 little slashes in a circle. They are almost gone now & it's only been 6.5 months. Not what I expected at all, far exceeded my expectations.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm on a plateau right now. I'm just working through it. I have lost 100lbs in 6 months. My body is adjusting. Plus it's winter & I feel dormant. When the weather warms I'll have the opportunity to exercise more outside, go for walks, work in my garden, etc. I'm not worried.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! It's crazy. I went into a Gap store & the sales person actually talked to me, told me about the specials in the store, etc. Before they may have just said hello, but wouldn't have talked to me like a shopper.