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

I found out about baratric surgery from a couple of friends who had the surgery themselves and my initial impressions was I think that this might be for me and after attending the Seminar I knew it would be a great thing for me.

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

It has not been good so far I have had 1 denial and think I will have a fight on my hands but I am learning from others on the OH website and plan on fighting until I get approved! 4-5-10 Approved for Lapband!

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

I had a really good first visit with Dr. Broussard. He answered all my questions and said if I needed anything or had any questions that I could call the clinic anytime. He described each different type of weightloss surgery and all the different risks. He was willing to try and help me get my insurance to approve the sleeve. You can get the most out of your 1st meeting by having a list of questions written down before you go.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to improve my Health first and formost. Get off of all my medications, I want to feel good about myself and have others family and friends fell good about me as well. I am hoping that my insurance will give me approval for VSG surgery because this is the only one I want and the only way I can have the WLS.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the VSG after learning about it at a seminar and studying about it on the internet.Also I have a friend who has had this surgery and I have seen her progress, it is Amazing! I know This is just a tool and I have to work had at this and I am willing to do just that! As much as I wanted the sleeve it looks like I will be getting Lapband instead but I am ok with that!

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 guess I could say I have no fears so far but I have not got a surgery date yet and am still waiting on approval from my insurance company. I am sure I will be nervous somewhat when the time actually gets here, but for now I am ok.Got my Date! 4-28-10!

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 Family and Friends have been really Great about my decision for WLS. I am very Blessed in that category. I haven't had a surgery yet but I know when I do they will support me in every way because they love me!

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

I am self employed and still waiting for my surgery date. So I will update this section after the fact.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes I Love My Support Group they are all so awesome and very informative!

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

I had an incredible stay at the Edmond Bariatrics Weight Loss Hospital!All my Nurses were so sweet and caring.My Husband stayed overnight with me and they made him feel welcome and provided a fold out bed for him.I couldn't have asked for better treatment.My Surgeon was excellent as well he made sure I was awake and alert and knew everything that was going on.I Loved My Stay and would reccomend them to anyone!

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

After my surgery and until the next morning about 10am I could not urinate. My Bladder was so full I thought I was going to burst!Finally they cathertarized me and got 1500 cc's out of me they couldn't believe it! I found out this is quiet common though.

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 mostly ancious I didn't really get scared until I went in for surgery.

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

I Have been really lucky I guess.I went back to walking 3 miles 2 days after surgery and back to work at my Large in home daycare with my 25 year old daughter on day 5! Yesterday 5-12-10 was my 2 weeks since surgery and I could have had my 1st Mushies and I didn't even want it! I did finally eat half of a scrambled egg for dinner. I had a tight feeling in my chest most of the evening so I am not sure if I am ready to move on yet?

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

86 Miles. I done Great stopped once at a quick stop to walk.Keep blood flowing to prevent blood clots.

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.

Liquids, Liquids, Liquids! Finally Mushies!

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

High! All the way!

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

VitaBand Muti-Vitamin and Calcium Chews!

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 at 1st but I am adjusting.

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

When my bladder wasn't functioning correctly after surgery.

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

Weight Wise Bariatric Weight Loss Cupport Group Edmond, Okla.

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

Small scars are fading large scar not as bad as I though as it is still healing I am only 2 weeks out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes but in good ways they are noticing my accomplishment and praising me for them and it feels Awesome!