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

I found out about WLS from my sister Joanie, who is a Nurse. I was scared at first but knew that my life would end very young without help.

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

I had no problem with Insurance Approval. Just make sure that the office staff is well experienced and all of the supporting documentation is sent with initial approval. Luckily, I had very experienced office staff to deal with both for WLS and Plastic Surgery. The doctor's office has to be experienced enough to fight for you and your approval for a medical necessity procedure.

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

My surgeon, Dr. Hosein Yasrebi, Jacksonville, Florida, was very upfron, honest, and to the point. I felt like I was applying for entrance into Harvard. He was very strict and had guidelines to follow before he would perform surgery. He wanted to know that you were dedicated and that this procedure is truly what you need and want. I loved him...He took excellent care of me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My battle with my weight from a child, teen, and adult. The roller coaster ride needed to end. I knew that my health was deteriorating and my family history was not to my favor. I was placed on Blood pressure medication at the age of 26, diabetes would have been next, severe back problems to the extent that my legs and toes were numb and tingly, therefore, exercise was out of the question. Needless to say, I was having a rough time and needed help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The only surgeon in Jacksonville was Hosein Yasrebi and he only performed Open RNY. I didn't research any further because I knew he was an excellent surgeon.

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 knew I would eventually get heavier and heavier if I did not get help. The complications from this surgery would not compare to the emotional and physical feelings that I already endured. I felt that if I died during surgery, it would relieve me of all of my pain, and if I lived then I could have another chance to re-live my life as a new person. To date, I have done just that. My whole life has changed and your life will too.

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 mother and sisters were the only family members that knew I was having WLS. I did not want the negativity and cruel comments that I had heard all of my life. My family was very cruel to my weight issue as a child, teen, and adult, and I still hold it against them. I am learning to let it go now that I have started my new life but they set a mental scar that will always remain. I would not change a thing because they will tell you, "you can loose weight on your own", well we all know how that goes. These are usually people who have never had a major weight problem.

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

My employer did not know the details. I only told them that I would need surgery and would be out for a few weeks. Luckily, I was back to work after 7 days. WOW, yes hardly no pain or discomfort.

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

My hospital stay was great. I was in for one night. I brought my going home clothes, that was it. Everything else was provided.

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

I had no complications. THANK GOD

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 very excited, I was approved after 3 days.

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

I had muscle soreness in my abdomen and a feeding tube for six weeks. I was on a two week liquid only diet, week three and four was pudding and jello, week five and six was mashed potatoes and crackers. Take it very slowly and chew, chew, chew.

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

25 miles.

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.

Rice, meat, sugar, and potatoes could not be tolerated and these items are still hard after two years post. Otherwise, all else was okay as long as I chew really good.

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

My surgeon had me on a routine exercise program before surgery - walking or cycling. I resumed this exercise about two weeks after surgery. Once I reached 200 pounds, I enrolled with Gold's Gym. I have maintained aerobic and anaerobic activities to help me tone and reach my goal weight.

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

Pre-natal vitamins (recommended by surgeon) and viactive for calcium

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 very little vomiting because I tried to be very careful of what I eat, dumping was persistent everytime I eat anything with sugar, and hair loss was minimal because I drank protein drinks for the first six months.

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

Surgeon made me loose 40# before surgery as one of his pre-op requirements. That was the hardest part to stick with.

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

I have a local support group and we share valuable information from vitamins to good nutritional foods with low carbs and sugar. It helps emotionally to talk to other members with similar concerns.

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

My scar healed well and does not look bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had periodic plateau's but they only lasted about two-three weeks. Then the weight seemed to fall off until the next plateau. This will happen throughout the WLS experience. Don't get discouraged 80% of your excess weight will come off, more if you really work at it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that people treat me with respect, men/women hold the door open for me, people listen to my ideas, I get second looks driving down the street in my car, I have more self-esteem and won't take any negativity from my peers or collegues and they respect that, suprisingly.