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

I first started "seriously" checking into it after reading an article in a Womans Day magazine. I didn't think I would qualify for it... as it turned out my BMI is 43.6. Okay, to some it is a lightweight, but to me it is miserable! I stand at 5' even and I weigh 223. I thought, "I qualify"? This has to be a dream! I never thought I could meet the requirements! I had several medical items wrong with me that I continued to "downplay" as minor. I made an appointment with my PCM, and he let me know just how long it would be before I was in the grave from my "minor" problems. I was shocked!!!

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

KEEP ON TOP OF BOTH SIDES ENCOURAGING THEM TO GET THINGS DONE. Check back often and take names and notes of who said what and when. This way when you do call you will have factual information and not be pulling names and dates from thin air.

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

The first visit to my surgeon was wonderful. I felt empowered because I was actually doing something for me. The staff explained the procedure and process leading up to surgery in detail. When I left the office I knew exactly what I had to accomplish and what was expected from all. I had a list of questions for the interview that provided a jumping off point for me in conversation. I also brought copies of every thing I had sent prior to the appointment as well as things I went over with my PCM prior to getting refereed to the surgeon. I have a "WLS / LapRNY" folder that I keep copies of "EVERYTHING" in. This helped tremendously with the barrage of paperwork I was requested to fill out once I arrived at the office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The older I get the more weight I put on and the worse I feel. I cannot physically do the things I could even 2 years ago. I wanted a chance of living a quality life for as long as possible. I am ready to feel better and start living again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed to have the behavior modifications that the RNY provides when it comes to sugar and fat consumption.

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 have no fear. I am going to get this done regardless of fear so why worry about the inevitable. Either I make it and get my life back or I dont and do not have to suffer any longer with the weight. No, this is not self-centered. Yes, I do have a family that needs me... the healthy me... not what they have now. Yes, we have talked about this and I have all of their support and understanding. This is a positive move for all of us.

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?

I do have a family that needs me... the healthy me... not what they have now. Yes, we have talked about this and I have all of their support and understanding. This is a positive move for all of us.

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

I stayed out for 3 weeks but i could have returned in 1. They have been very supportive in letting me take the time i needed for surgery and the follow up appointments. No negative comments have surfaced yet.

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

I stayed in the hospital 1 night. It was uneventfull and i just did my own thing... got up and walked often. Bring less than you will need... I over packed and DH wound up carrying it all in for nothing.

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?

I wigged out about 3 weeks before surgery. Got upset at the drop of a hat and fussed about everything. Then after i cleared my head and reasoned that i was "wigging out" over nothing i had a better time of it.

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

I did what i always do. I just ate less and cooked more... go figure. I was home and could so i did. The first month i threw out more than i ate. It was so funny.

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

I travel 230 miles one way and would go 2000 if i had to. I had to make my own support group in my town, but they were glad to get together and we meet monthly. I still go to Atlanta to see Dr.Duncan when i am scheduled. Tricare pays for the gas, hotel and food so i am not out anything but a day of sick leave for work. No biggie!

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.

From the get go i could tolerate anything in moderation. I have not tried sugar and i dump on things that are fried or greasy. I have been VERY fortunante in that i have never vomited.

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

It increased as the days went by. I am now able to do just about anything i want and am working up to more.

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

berriblend vitamins and iron and i drink worldwide protein. I also have 2 viactive a day for the 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?

Hairloss is the biggie for now (4 months post op) I am just waiting it out and taking some Biotin to help.

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

WAITING FOR IT TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!

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

We call ourselves "Southern Comfort OSSG" and are located in south Georgia. We meet bimonthly and are 34 strong. It is important to have a group of folks that have "walked the walk" to vent with. I rely on their experience and advise. I also use AMOS and 3 other groups on Yahoo for the same.

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

Scars... LAP. Not bad at all. They are fading away and don't bother me in the least.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well....... I am on my first one now so we will see. It has been going on for about 3 weeks so far but i know it will end and the weight will again fall of so i am not worried about it. ALL IS GOOD... I am in 2 sizes smaller since 2 weeks ago so the inches are falling off still.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

GOD YES! I get listened to now. WEIRD