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

I learned more about it when Carne Wilson had it done. I have been looking into this for a few years. At first I thought it was a little to extreme, but the more I learned, and the more overweight and almost becoming housebond, I felt I had to investigate further.

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

It seemed like a bad dream, and had lots of back and forth...We changed insurance companies just before I checked into this, and the old one would have covered it, no problem. I followed their guidelines to the letter, getting documentation about over 6 months on a diet, and the weight loss and gains, and my doctors records. Just keep nagging them!!

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

I was a little scared, but Dr. Harris put me at ease right away. Make sure you ask if the lap band or the gastric bypass is for you. I had the rouen-y, gastric bypass, and ask all the questions you can put down on paper before you get there. Being with others in the process helps too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was only gaining more weight, even watching what I was eating. I had trouble walking, and knew I had to do something to get my life back so I could be with my kids and grandchildren.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Harris only had two options that he did regularly. The lap band and the bypass. The idea of the port to fill the band really bothered me, and the bypass surgery sounded like the best option for the great amount of weight I needed to lose.

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?

We have all heard horror stories from people who know people, so of course any surgery scares you. I knew a few people after the support group meetings, and seeing their good results I was more than ready to have my surgery. Every case is different, but I had no complications, and have had various surgeries over the years, and this was "minor" compared to some I have had. Healed quickly, and would recommend it to anyone.

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?

At first my girls were scared and asked lots of questions. My husband has been a blessing, and has stood by me through thick and thin. He has been my champion thru out this process, and was with me all the way. A few friends thought this was too radical, but now that they see the 80 pound weight loss, they are asking more questions. I told everyone that knew me from church that I was having this done for their prayers during surgery.

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

I am a homemaker, and had not been able to work due to health problems due to my weight. It was about two weeks before I felt more normal, and think I could have gone back to part time the 2nd week.

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

Other than the room was a little too small for two beds, I only had a room mate for a short time, right after surgery, and then right before I went home. I stayed overnight, and my daughter stayed with me. A pillow from home would have been nice, and I brought my cpap machine. A nightgown and robe and socks or slippers is a good idea for walks down the hall.

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

No complications at all.

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 truly excited!! Ready for my new life to begin! I gave Jesus my anxiety, and I knew the prayers would uplift me during and after surgery.

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

The ride home was long and I felt some of the bumps in the road.... Expect to be tired and sore, and have a little trouble getting up for a few days. After the staples are removed, it felt so much better. Just remember to keep drinking just a little at a time, and that you will NOT feel hungry.

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

I traveled 30 miles, and boy was I tired after the ride home.

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.

At first it was clear liquids, then liquids, then soft foods, like scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, cottage chesse, yogurt, applesause. Creamed soups were great too. It took a few months before I tried chicken and did ok, and after almost 6 months tried some steak, and I did fine. Have not been able to keep a hamburger down however, but most everything has been tolerated. Go slowly, and try one new thing at a time.

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

I was pretty inactive before my surgery, and that did not change that much. It gradually increased.

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

B12 sublinquil, calcium and vitamin D, iron, and Biton for my hair.

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?

Not to eat too fast or too much. Something didn't go down right and it felt like a knife in my chest, so I threw up, and the pain went away. Had dumping twice, the first time I passed out. This happened the first few weeks after my surgery, and have not reoccured. After about 5 months, my hair started to fall out. I had very thick hair, and now I can see my scalp, but it is a small price to pay for feeling so much better, and I hear it comes back in time.

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

Not being able to drink anything after surgery until the next day when they x-ray your stomach. My mouth was so dry.... Those sponge "pops" were a blessing, but the awful taste and dryness were annoying. Also not being able to drink while you eat is one of my biggest adjustments

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

We have a support group that meets once a month, and I also have met ladies who also have had surgery in my area, and now on line. This has made it so much easier. I call up and ask is this normal?? Not having to bother the doctor and get tips on how to deal with stuff is essential.

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

Since it was done laproscopicly, it is what I expected. I have a huge c-section scar, and these 6 little spots are nothing. They have healed well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to have a plateau every twenty pounds or so. I have bad knees, feet, hips, back, etc. from years of being overweight, so I am not as active as I could be. They are annoying, and I try to remember to drink more water and get more protein in. Also to try to do more activity.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, men are coming up to me now and talking more than they used to. People keep telling me how much better I look, and ask how I feel. I don't feel as invisible as I once did.