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

I have thought about it for a few years now, but when my pulmonoligist told me I would die by the time my youngest graduated... that is when I got serious.

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

My insurance paid 100% Aetna was awesome. It took me about 1 year to go through the 6 months of documented weight loss and then to get the date, but it was worth every minute of it! My advice is to start now with the insurance company's. From what I gather from other patients, it can be a long ordeal with some insurances.

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

The Doctor was very professional. I was scared I would not be a canidate because I have serious lung issues. He was knowledgable and very sympathetic. I suggest take noted in with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My lungs. I can not breath. I use 30% of my lungs and I am 36 years old. I need to be more active with my children.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would not pay for the lap band, and I am really glad! I would not suggest it for anyone. I know several people who have had lap band, and they are bouncing up and down in their weight loss.

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 decided that I was going to die if I didn't do anything, so I had a choice to make. Let my kids and husband go on with life with the fat mommy at home cause she can't walk that much, and she sure can't fit in the seats on rides or what ever... or take charge of my life and do this for me. You need to make the choice that is best for you. This was thae best one I could have ever made!!!!

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 sisters knew I needed to do it, but my husband was scared, and the rest of the family was terrified. I had people everywhere telling me about that one friend they had that died or is so sick from the surgery. Everyone is very proud of me now. I knew everything was going to be alright. It waqs a gut feeling.

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 a psychologist and he was COMPLETELY supportive. I took 2 weeks off.

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

My stay was pleasant. the rooms could have been cleaned a little more. i had a roommate who was throwing up alot, and had other issues. They let the trash overflow several times. I am such a germaphob... I called several times for roomkeeping! They were all very nice though. I think they were understaffed. I think the only thing I would recommend is shampoo and conditioner. they offer some, but it is pretty bad.

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

I did not have any complications. the first afternoon I stayed glued to my painpump, but the next day I was up and about. The sooner you get up and move around the easier it is on you. But i have to say the getting up is the hardest part. PRACTICE NOW! Do log rolls before you go!

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 was so ready for this surgery, I had no anxiety. between work, kids and arranging someone to fly here to help, I had no time to worry. Plus I work for a psychologist and his couch is always open if I needed it.

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

I had no real problems. Some constipation the first few days, but I was ready to go back to work after the first few weeks. My husband made me take the time off to make sure I did not hurt myself.

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

I traveled 3 hours to St. Lukes. I have had no issues yet, so this is hard to say.

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 honest;y have not found any foods that I can not eat besides fast food. I tries a sonic tater-tot, and it didn't sit well. i don't do sweets, and I aeat very little of what I do choose. I am on my 8th week now. I think the main thing is to remember to watch the amount and to chew very good.

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

My activity level is just now starting to go up. My house and laundry have never been so caught up. We actually went to the Zoo lights in Phoenix last week with the kids, and I walked everywhere and never missed a beat. With my lung issues, this would not have been possible 1 month ago. I had to stop 3 or 4 times just to walk into the hospital for my ABC classes before surgery. so it is steadily going up!

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

This was an issue for me. I could not stand the vitamins and protein drinks. So I have now found the way to do it. I am using liquid vitamins I bought at a health food store. I mix it with powder protein, frozen fruit and juice. It makes an awesome smoothie! I look forward to them all day. I was having trouble getting the calories in so this answered all my issues.

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 had NO side effects as of this point. Again I am only at 8 weeks post-op.

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

Getting the blood gas taken. That was horrible!

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

I am to far away so I get no aftercare support.

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

My scars are 1/4 inch and there are 5 of them. They are fading pretty quick. It is not what I expected at all@!!!! I was quite impressed!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I think people treat thinner people different.