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

One day I was watching Montel Williams and he had several women on his show who had this operation. I watched the show and thought wow how lucky for them. But never in a million years thought I would be able to have the surgery.

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

I have two insurances, Blue Cross being my primary and Tri Care being my secondary. Since my husband is in the marines I went through the naval hospital for my referral which was easy to obtain but getting referred was another story. Finally I was put in touch with my doctor at Portsmouth and had my surgery there. I would advice anyone who is military that if the local hospital doesn't perform the surgery, ask if a hospital near by does. It would be worth the trip (4 hours) to go through the military hospital, less trouble than trying to gain approval with a regular doctor.

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

Dr. Spencer was wonderful, I can not say enough about him. Since I had researched for several months prior to our first meeting, he knew I was serious and was willing to make the life change needed to have this surgery. Be sure you research as much as you can, write down any questions, concerns, etc you may have and go over them one by one with your doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The support of my husband and children. Many friends were also supportive. I must be honest and say family members were somewhat doubtful and still remain so even now two months after the surgery. Still the decision was all mine and one I am so glad I made.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Spencer and I discussed the surgery and made the decision together. I had prior knowledge that due to a gall bladder scar he might find upon beginning the surgery that he would have to do the open cut surgery but god was smiling upon me and I did not have to have the open surgery.

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, that may sound strange but again I did so much research that I knew the risks and they were far less than what I would be facing if I didn't have the surgery. I would suggest that you discuss your fears with your doctor, don't let anyone dismiss your fears because they are real for you and may hinder your recover.

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 husband and children were very supportive. Most of my friends were also supportive. Other family members had questions and concerns and still due to even after the surgery. But what is important to remember is you do need a good support system but in the end you are the one making this life changing decision and you have to be happy and content with your decision. You can not do this surgery for anyone else but yourself.

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

My supervisor was very supportive. I explained about the surgery and why I was having it and they understood. I went back to work, one week after having the surgery.

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

I went into the hospital on Wendesday the day of my surgery and I left that Friday at noon. My stay was a pleasant one, not a lot of pain after the surgery but there was some pain. A comfortable nightgown, robe, and slippers. You need to get up and walk as soon as you feel able.

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

No, everything went very well.

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 excited and looking forward to the surgery. But I will be honest, I made it a point to anything I thought I would miss after the surgery. I was very excited that the surgery was finally going to happen.

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

I was more tired than I thought I would be. You have to remember that you have had major surgery. You will find that you aren't hunger but you need to keep your fluid intake up because that is very important. Just take each day as if comes and don't worry or stress about the next day.

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

I went to Portsmouth, Va from Jacksonville (Camp Lejuene), NC. It's a 4 hour trip. I must say it was the longest 4 hours and the road seemed to have gotten so many more bumps in the three days since I went to the hospital.

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 find I have a hard time with chicken, fish and some red meats. Surprising I can eat more red meats (if cooked correctly) better than chicken. I can't do bread unless toasted and no pasta at all. Since I have only had the surgery 2 months ago it is still a daily hit and miss game with me. But NO SUGAR, god it will make you so sick you never want to feel that way again.

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

The first few weeks I was so tired I could barely go to work, come home and do anything else. After about a month I began to exercise, riding bike and now my activity level is increasing all the time.

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

Children chewables I take two a day with iron, calicum. I also take tums.

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 had a lot of nausia and some vomiting. At first I fought the vomiting but that only made it worse. There is over the counter nausia medicine I got and that helps when it gets too bad. But watching what you eat and how fast you eat makes a big difference also. I do have some serious hair loss and I have gotten a wig and just think of it as a new adventure.

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

Being so tired after the surgery. I am a person who went out and did things the day I came home from having my gall bladder surgery (the old fashion cut you down the middle type). I usually heal very well and fast. There was also some stomach pain and discomfort after that I was surprised I had. Also the nausea can be really bad at times.

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

They do have a support group in Portsmouth but due to living 4 hours away I am unable to attend. I did find two people who live in my town who I have been emailing. One had the surgery a year ago and the other is getting ready to see the doctor for the first time. This has been helpful to me. I do believe a support group would be very helpful and maybe one day we will have enough people in this areat to have our own support group.

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

I have five small scars in a circle. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect but I am pleased with the scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only had the surgry two months ago but I did hit a plateau which really freaked me out. But my doctor said this is normal and will happen again. Once I was over that little plateau I treated myself to a new pair of pants (two sizes smaller).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people who know me and don't know about the surgery are always amazed at my weight lost. Other people don't look at me with that we are so sorry you can't control youself look.