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

I became aware of this surgery in 1990 when a good friend of my husband's family went in to have it herself. She had the surgery at a hospital i was working at at the time so i was able to pop in and check on her from time to time. i remember the very first thing she said to me was how much pain she was in and how she was having second thoughts on her decision. i really didn't know alot about the surgery then and not-to-mention, not as big as I am now, so i found myself trying to comfort her, while at the same time telling myself, i would never have to do anything that drastic to fix my problems.

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

This is a hard one. The first time out I was denied and through several failed appeals, I decided to move on to another company that would offer me better insurance. Once I made that change and started the process over with the new carrier, I was approved in less than 2 weeks. YEPEE

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

Very informative and very professional. I had met him already through a sister-in-law who had the procedure earlier. He is great and I couldn't be more satisfied in my decision of choosing Dr. McCarty.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I know that in my heart the benefits of this surgery out weigh the continued risks and dangers associated with me staying the way I am...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through lots of research and talking to other patients

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?

Fears and complications are a real factor of this whole process. I'm willing to accept the risks because I know that this is something I have to do for myself and for my family.

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?

i have been talking about this since last year. At first my husband was totally against it, which was a blessing in disguise because this urged me to dig deeper and uncover as much information as i possibly could. Through my continued research and our heart-to-heart talks, he has now decided that in order to see me actually live a strong and healthy life, this will be a necessary step for me.

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

haven't gone that far yet

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

My surgery was Tuesday, late morning and I was home Thursday morning before 10. My stay was very uneventful. The nursing staff was very good with me and Dr. McCarty and the Resident checked on me frequently. I have no complaints what-so-ever.

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

None

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

My surgery was March 6, 2001 and I got the date the end of January. It felt like a lifetime between that date call and the actual procedure but it was time I needed. I got things in order at home, at the office and with my family. I only got nervous the morning of the surgery as I was waiting. I knew everything was gonna be great but I also knew that if I died on that table it meant I died in attempt to make myslef better. I was so happy when I woke up in recovery; even though I was groggy and not-to-with it; I opened my eyes, looked at the clock, smiled and went back to sleep.

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

This period was not as bad as I thought it would be. My pain was very minimal and I had a few weeks off from work so I just tried to concentrate on starting my new regimen full speed. I was walking outside my house, with help from hubby; the afternoon I got home from the hospital. I didn't push myself. I was pretty tired most of the time so I just tried to "enjoy" my time off and the peace and quiet.

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

10 miles

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

I walked every day for the first few weeks. Now I go to a gym 4 times a week as well as walking everyday.

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

Flinstones, Tums, B12 My main protein source is Myoplex Deluxe.

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 have severe dumping with any type of sugar. I have not really ventured into "processed" sugar land. I dump from too much fruit or fruit juice or anything bascially that contains natural sweetners.

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

None

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

Dr. McCarty offers volunteer supported support group meetings once a month. These have been very helpful and educational.

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

I had Lap so i only have 5 smal incisions - I am very happy with them and how they are healing

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yeah - all the time.