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

My first impression of the surgery was positive. I had a boss who just had it done and I seen her results and how she looked and felt. This helped me to be positive.

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

Insurance approval was easy after I followed the directions to see a dietician for 6 months. This was the hard part because I just wanted to have the surgery and get started on my new journey. I needed to save myself from myself.

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

My first meeting was very informative and helpful. My doctor was very professional and to the point. I understood his personality because I am the same way. I really didn't care about his bedside manner, I just needed to know my life was in good hands.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed a life saving tool.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon said the only type I could have was the open- due to prior abdominal surgeries.

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 feared complications due to the horror stories you hear from other people. Then I thought how much I had gone thru previously and believed GOD would give me the strength and courage to make it thru.

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?

Everyone was positive which in the long run helped me to say motivated. The support thru my family and friends has been awesome.

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

She was very excited and supportive. I recently found out thru a conversation that she was very scared due to the fact I had so many health complicationsbut she didnt let it show cause she didnt want me to be scared. I was out of work about 2 months due to other complications.

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

My stay in the hospital was comfortable. I was in the hospital 4-5 days due to other complications(nothing from the surgery). I brought a shot glass which helped me not to gulp since straws are not advisable.

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

No complications from the actual surgery.

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 elated that I got a second chance at life. I coped with anxiety by doing alot of praying and conversing with my boss, who had already had the surgery. Most of all my mother and my sister helped me cope.

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

My first few weeks were kinda hard. I have always been an anemic so I was very weak. I also struggled with heartburn alot which was something I never had to deal with before. That was really hard because it kept me throwing up.

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

The hospital is approximately 30 minutes away. It did not affect my aftercare due to a loving sister who made sure I got to see my doctor whenever I needed to.

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 I had a problem with 2% milk. again,HEARTBURN!! I changed to the powder milk for a while which helped until I got to where I could drink regular milk. I am 9 months post op and still have a problem digesting hot dogs. The off lomit foods are anything greasy or sugary. I say this due to trying fried green tomatoes recently. I had diarreah for 3 days. I just try to stick to the foods I know are digestible or I pay the consequences.

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

I was slow for about 1 1/2 months. I was very weak but this was due to not getting enough calories and my anemia. At about 3 months my energy level picked up to normal and after that, WOW!!

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

I am taking ONE A DAY WEIGHTSMART. After checking with my dietician, everything I need is in this vitamin.

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?

The worst side effect was the heartburn and vomiting which persisted about 4 months. I coped by taking prevacid in soluable form and just trying to be patient with myself.

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

My experience was positive.

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

I dont have a support group. St Vincent is about 30 minutes away from me so I just log on to this website and lend my info to whomever can use it.

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

My scar is not bad. I had gallbladder and ovary surgery previously and they kinda messed up the bottom part of my stomach. The bariatric cut was right in line with the other cut.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at 80lbs. I kept going up and down due to exercising and gaining muscle. Finally I got tired of going up and remembered what my dietician told me beore surgery, write down every thing you eat. I have now started to lose weight again. talk about FRUSTRATING!! UPDATE: AS OF 11/29/05 I AM AT A LOSS OF 101 LBS!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I like the compliments and the second glances. I get alot more attention from men but then again I never have had a Problem. IT IS FUN!! UPDATE: at Thanksgiving dinner I got alot of hate from one female cousin. It hurt me for a short period but I am over that and refocused on my ultimate goal!