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

I read about it in a magazine with several testamonials. I wanted to know more as soon as possible. When I got the video and more information I was exited.

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

Well, I was turned down several times in the begining and then I was approved with a waiting period after I obtained better coverage. Just don't give up, keep fighting. Sometimes it can be a lengthy ordeal dealing with some of these insurance companies. Try to be patient.

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

I saw a few surgeons in a few different places. Most of them performed different types of bariatric surgery. I just kept looking until I felt comfotable. I finally found a surgeon who explained everything to me in great detail about different types of options and then explained what he receommend and why. I was ready for surgery. Just be sure to ask lots of questions. Write down questions you may have before you go. No questions you have should be left unanswered. If you are not comfortable with the surgeon, keep looking until you are.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health. I had my family doctor and also my heart doctor recommend me for surgery. I was dying slowly from being obese. I knew something had to be done. I have battled weight most of my adult life and I felt there was no other chioce for me. Also I found a wonderful surgeon with excellent staff who answered all of my questions.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The last surgeon I saw explained all of my options and then recommended what kind he beleived was best for me and then explained why. After going over all of my options I felt he was right. With my other health complications the route I chose I beleive had less side effects or after effects.

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 fears of dying from surgery and complications afterword, but I had a greater fear of dying from being fat. Obesity is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year. The risks of the surgery are not as great as the obesity it self. Have faith that the good Lord gave us these wonderful doctors who are working through him to give us a second chance.

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 and children were very supportive. My mom sisters and brothers were worried and didn't think I should do it but they were more supportive after I had surgery. My friends were supportive from the get go. If you feel that they will not be supportive of the surgery then either tell them and explain that you have to do this for you or don't tell them until afterword and just let them know you are having a surgical procedure for your health. You don't have to explain yourself right at that time especially if they are not being supportive of you.

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

Well, i had a good experience at the hospital. People were very friendly and the surgeon was very thorough. I was there about 4 days. I got to go home early than expected. The only things I might suggest bringing would be a robe for comfort. If you are admitted the night before you may want to bring some things to keep you busy. Alot of people have anxiety and are very nervous before surgery. I broght a book and something to write on for questions I had and cards for my husband and I to play. I also brought pictures from home for comfort. The hospital pretty much provides everything else you might need.

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

I had trouble with breathing a little. I had breathing treatments and other things to take care of it. I had some problems with pain management for about a week. But got it under control. Also I had a small area of my incision that got infected but the doctor was prompt at taking care of it and it eventually healed.

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 anxiety stopped almost immediately after surgery. I used to take medication for it and no longer need it.

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

Get up and move around. You will feel better faster and that is the truth. Take it slow however. Don't push the food. Just do as directed from the docotr and things should go smoothly.

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

I travled about an hour and a half. It was well worth the drive. I drive there for my visits now and have no problem doing so.

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.

Well, the number one thing that is off limits is bread. Still cannot tolerate bread it just doesn't go down. Pop even diet make me bloat. I have trouble with high fiber veggies and rice and pasta. Also with meats. Eggs were ok after about a month and tuna after about 6 weeks (in very small amounts). Try to stay with the plan your doctor gives you it will give you something to go by. I eat soups, jello, pudding, popcicles, small amounts of cheese, eggs (over easy and scrambled), tuna, oatmeal if it is very runny, cold cereal and a few other things. I still cannot eat lettuce either. Pills were bad bad bad for me. I can onlt ake very small pills and then I have to cut in half.

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

At first it was slow but by about the 3rd week I was walking a mile or more a day and now I am at about 2 miles 4-5 times a week.

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

Flinstones chewables(childrens) 2 a day

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?

It wa suncomfortable to sleep until the staples came out but other than that no real discomforts. vomiting still occurs when food gets stuck in the stome. Either from not being chewed well enough or it is something high in fiber or that expands (like rice).

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

Before the surgery. The waiting hours and minutes before. It was scary. Afterword wasn't too bad. I hve had worse surgery.

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

I don't really have aftercare support. I haven't done alot with looking other than this website which has been a blessing. My surgeon is very informational. I bug him often with questions.

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

Yes because the surgeon told me how it would look. It is from my breastbone to about and inch past my navel. But is is healing fast. I had a little bit of infection but it was taken care of.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet. Almost three months Post Op and have lost about 55 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People tell me they can see Ihave lost weight. But I am not being treated differently as of yet. The compliments are nice and boost my self esteem.