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

I found out about it on the way to the gym on the radio. I immediately knew that I had to do it. My journey started that day.

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

I was a self pay. But I did try to get my insurance to pay. I had a "exclusion" which no matter what would not pay. But I say for people that don't have an "exclusion" and they get denied, is to fight for it, over and over. Never quit.

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

I was excited and scared. I felt like he was my hope. I went to a support group and it gave me an energy that I never had before. But all-in all, I was very nervous. Ask alot of questions, and do your research.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery when every where I went I either was to fat to fit comfortably on a chair, in a booth. Clothes were starting to be "specially ordered".

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed something permanent. Theres no going back after this surgery. I needed something to help me in my life long struggle.

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 really didn't have any fears after the first group session. I new that I would die if I didn't do the surgery. For me, not having the surgery concerned me more.

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?

Everybody and everyone in my life has been 100% supportive of me. Until this day I have the best support.

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

I was out of work 4 weeks. My boss was the best supporter. They all were so happy for me. They saw me on a daily basis and knew I had to do this for me and my life.

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 good. You need to walk immediately. Bring chap stick. My stay was 1 1/2 days. It was a good experience.

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

After about 4 months I developed serious stomach pain. The doctor did exploratory lap surgery and I had adhesions from the surgery and previous surgeries I had. So he scraped away the adhesions and from that day on, I haven't had any pain.

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 so excited it was like waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. I had never been so excited to "start my new life" I never had a second thought about not doing the surgery.

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

Im not gonna lie, it was hard. I didn't eat for about 3 weeks. For me, it was a challenge. But I kept hydrated and I started to feel better. When I started to eat soft proteins, I got my strength back and it got better after that.

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

I had to travel 100 miles. I wish I didn't have to travel that far. Its very hard to go to my post op appointments. I have to take off the entire day of work, etc. The ride home after my surgery was a little rough. But the pain pills helped me and I slept most of the way. Would still do it again in a heart beat.

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.

No sugar, carbs. Meat was very hard at first. But I ate slowly and chewed until it was liquid. To this day (I am 10 months post op) it is still hard to eat meat. But you have to eat protein. Oatmeal is a no-no also. I get dumping syndrome so bad when I eat any carbs like that. I just try and eat a lower carb meal than I used to and sometimes I pay dearly when I don't. I get weak, sweaty, and nauseated if I don't eat right. You learn fast what you can and can't eat.

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

It was low. I had a hard time exercising. Just getting to work was hard at first. But it gets better.

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

I do one B-12 shot once a month, one iron pill, 2 multivitamins a day and 1500 mg of calcium. Of course they are all chewable. I also add, biotin and vitamin E. My hair has paid a price for not eating alot of calories.

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?

Nausea and vomiting didn't bother me much (unless I ate the wrong foods), my hair loss bothered me alot. I cut all my hair off because it got so thin. My hair still is thin but my nutrition is not what it used to be either. Thats why I take biotin and Vitamin E.

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

It was the "head hunger" for me. I remembered what the food tasted like and I wanted it. Its almost like a drug addict having with drawals from their drug. I had to find another way of letting go of stress, etc.

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

I don't have one. But I do recommended it to everyone. Its hard to go to support groups when they are 100 miles away. I tried here in Tulsa but no one would take me because "I didn't have surgery at their facility". So I did it on my own and got on obesityhelp.com. I do not recommend not going to support groups. I do think they are very important.

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

Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at about 6 months. I didn't loose weight for about 1 month. Then, all of a sudden it started to fall off again. I think your body fights you on losing the weight it kinda freaks out I guess. But I kept on loosing after that. Exercise helped me alot too.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, men actually flirt with me and younger men too. I really don't know how to handle it. Before no one paid me any attention. Now though, it feels great to know that I feel and look good.