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

I found out 10 years ago, 4 years ago I tried with a surgeon only interested in the monetary gain he was receiving from his practice. I was denied, they did not care. Then I found Barix, the people who work there were sent straight from heaven above. They worked hard to get me approved and stood by me every step of the way. They have people after surgery that have been there, they know what your going thru, they have been there themselves.

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

Oh my God... just don't give up. Keep trying, do whatever it takes. I was ready to go to court, it didn't come to that thankfully. Insurance carriers are not looking for what is in your best interest. They want what is best for their bottom line. Connect with people who have been there, or are going thru it themselves. There is comfort in numbers. It took a year to get my approval. Barix Connection was my lifeline. Those wonderful, loving, supportive people had no idea who I was, but they were there for me. Every step, every heartbreak, they supported me. I thank God for them every night before I go to bed.

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

I attended a informational meeting, had no idea who the doctor was. I met Dr. Boe that day, he is a warm man with a good sense of humor. Essential for me. I like to cut up. Before you go, make your list, everything no matter how stupid you think it is...ASK! Nothing is too stupid to them, that's what they are there for. They have heard it all. They can answer it all. Bring a notebook or a recorder if you find it helpful. Take notes, question everything your not comfortable with. A good surgeon will not care, they invite you to question them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt I could no longer go on the way I was. I am 54 years old, I felt older than dirt. I hated looking in the mirror. I felt unattractive. Everyone said, "you have such pretty eyes"... please nothing about me is pretty. My co-mobidities were adding up. Soon I would be dead I thought in my mind. I have my 5th grand-daughter due soon. I want to be around. I want to dance at their weddings. I want to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left that to him. He knew better than I what was right for me. I trusted him right from the beginning, which is no easy thing (I trust very few people). Then after starting the journey my knee gave out. Orthopedist told me I needed to get the weight off fast, so I knew I had made the right decision.

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?

LOL... I have been told every horror story in the book. The day of my surgery I was getting voice mails saying "Don't Do It". Yes I was concerned. I turned to Barix Boards. Those people were my salvation. I even made things for the girls that they would have in the case of my demise. Face your fears, talk them over with people who have been there. It's normal, but don't let them consume you.

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 son still hasn't made a comment. My daughter went with me to the seminar, she has been supportive. Husband... he is who he is. I don't expect much therefore I am never disappointed anymore. People are amazed that I feel like I do. They thought I would be down for awhile. I feel amazing.

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

I don't work outside the home right now. In the near future I plan on returning to work.

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

I have never been so pampered. They treated my like no hospital ever before. They are there when you need them. I was there for 2 1/2 days. They call it 3 but your there the day of surgery, the next day and by 12 noon on day three your on your way home. I brought things that made me feel homey. My slippers, robe, bathing supplies, toothbrush and paste. They supplied those things, but I like my own things.

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

No complications, I feel wonderful

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 anxious, I didn't think those weeks would ever pass, then I couldn't believe how quickly they passed.

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

I don't know about everyone, but I was driving and shopping the day after I came home. I cooked and cleaned up after Easter Dinner for my family. Sure I got a little tired in the evenings but it did not keep me from what I wanted to do. I danced around the house with the music blasting.

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

I traveled 3 hours for my surgery. Was no big deal for me. I don't mind driving, I throw a CD in the player, crank up the volume and go. As I am driving I am singing and dancing so the time just flys by. Barix has called me at home to inquire as to how I am doing.

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.

I am still new to this. So I will update as I go along. 3 months out: I mainly eat my protein. Alot of fish doesn't agree,vinegar is a big no..no...no. Things other people have no problem with affects me in a negative way. Yep, I am strange.

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

Energy, oh my gosh, I cannot go enough. I feel like I am making up for so many lost years. I want to do everything, feel everything, just experience the joy of living again. I'm almost bouncing off of the walls.

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

Centrum multi vitamin B-12 sublingual Calcium Biotin... I do not want to loose my hair. I have ordered an iron supplement. Of course my Protein drinks and bullets

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?

Haven't had any of that. My mother is unsure of the type of procedure I had. She say's I have a stomach of steel. I asked the Dr. why I had none of that? He said not suppose to. Am very grateful for this fact.

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

The shots in the abdomen for the blood thinners. I wasn't even a week out and was off pain meds. Oh, and that I didn't have it done sooner.

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

I still use the Barix Boards. If I have a question... they have an answer. Importance... very!

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

What scars... there are 6 tiny incisions. I have bigger scars from my gall bladder removal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not there yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet. I treat me differently. I get up, put on makeup and look at the person and know I'll get there eventually. But, so far I like what I see. 3 months out, 78 pounds down. Your absolutely treated different.