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

Through celebrities such as Al Roker, then people in my community were doing it.

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

My insurance had a clause that it definately would not pay. I still tried-TWICE-but it was never approved and the last denial was hateful. I wanted it badly since I had been widowed and was so lonely and unhappy with myself. I will always wonder if my husband had had bariatric surgery would he still be here.

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

It was in a big room with lots of people. It was a free, informational meeting. She explained how the surgery has changed as they learned from prior experiences. She drew diagrams of how it is done. She answered every question in easy to understand terms. Then afterwards if you decide it isn't for you, you get in your car and go home. If you are interested, the surgeon meets with you one on one, looks at the information you have filled out and tells you from your health/mental history if you would be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. I would suggest writing down any question you have and don't be afraid to ask. There are no dumb questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight had always been a thorn in my side. My life was lonely and unhappy. I had little self esteem. My husband had died. He was also obese, but I don't recall ever discussing this surgery with him. I did not want to get into health issues in my old age like diabetes, bad knees, etc where people have to take care of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let my wise surgeon decide 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 said it is like planes that crash. You hear about the rare ones that crash, and nothing about the millions that take off and land safely day after day. My life was at such a low it wouldn't have mattered if I had died in surgery.

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?

Some thought it was drastic and I should do it the regular way. Well, I had lost it the regular way 2 times and each time regained more than ever. Most were supportive although fearful for me. Now that they see how well I have done and the incredible results they are very happy for me.

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

She kept delaying approving my time off for this surgery. She said so and so had it and was off 4 months. I only missed 5 days of work. I no longer work for her and she has not seen me lately to my knowledge. Her son saw me and said if I hadn't yelled at him he would not have known it was me. Love it!!!

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

I was there overnight. I was at St.Vincent's which has a unit designed for bariatric patients. The halls were measured out to count the laps to figure how much walking you are doing. The nurses were not judgemental. I would take a thin white loose t shirt to wear under the binder. I did not do this and the binder's elastic broke my skin out. When I got home I was putting the binder over my nightgown and clothes. I was told to take my cpap machine but they did not use it on me. Also a loose nightgown, toiletries, shampoo, rubber soled slippers, phone numbers, etc.

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

NO, NOT ONE!!!!!

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 couldn't wait! I did everything I was told to do pre-surgery.

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

People were surprised how well I was so soon after the LAP surgery. I only mnissed 5 days of work.

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

115 miles--yeah, that is a long way to go for aftercare but this is a top notch place and well worth the drive.

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.

First 6 weeks was all liquid or soft things, no pop, no caffiene. All jello or pudding consistency, yogurt. After the six months no bread, pasta, rice. LOTS of protein like yogurt, chicken, shrimp, fish, turkey, and beans. The pre class with dietitian told us no beef for a year, but my dr. disagrees and said to eat ground beef as it has lots of iron. One of my favorite easy suppers is the Low Carb Whopper. It is like all the veggies, no ketchup or mayo in a bowl. It is a meal in itself for me and only 2.40. I eat at the local hospital cafeteria for healthy choices and can take home what I can't eat in styrofoam containers. I eat protein bars if I don't have time to poach a couple eggs or eat some Kashi cereal. I love fruits and vegetables. Some restaurants let me order the kids meal, some don't:(. Lots of people ask me if I get hungry....heck, yes! But a few bites and I feel full.

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

I was up 2 hrs after surgery. I walked 2 miles while in the hospital. I no longer hire out my yard work. I'm loving it this summer. I can get on a chair now. I can cross my legs. I don't worry about fitting in a chair.

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

Under the tongue B12 once a week, Fred Flintstone Complete one a day, a calcium carmel daily. Hate the Fred Flintstone and will look for something different when I run out. YUK.

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 didn't have any problem the first six weeks on soft foods. Dry chicken makes me feel plugged up and I need to throw it up, then feel instantly okay. Listen to your body and quit eating if it isn't going down right.

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

Maybe drinking the barium for the xray???

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

I am too far from Indianapolis to attend the support group. I do talk to local people who have or are going to undergo this surgery and have 2 online support groups to read the posts.

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

About 4 dots...it's remarkable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I wouldn't say plateau, but the weight can jump up 2 or 3 pounds, but eventually goes down again. I go by 10 pounds, ie: like now I am in the 230's.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!