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

I made a joke to my sister about having the surgery and I thought she would just brush me off, but to my surprise she said, "You should check into it!" and that's when my journey began!

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

My insurance approved me after the first letter. I was so excited. Just keep in mind that once the insurance approves you, you still have a way to go!

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

My first meeting was a "group" meeting. I had all the quiestions ready for him, but they were covered in the meeting. After that, we seen him individually. Don't be afraid to ask any quiestion!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was a matter of life and death! I weighed well over 300lbs and my health was deteriating.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon was just beginning to do lap rny, so i went with open rny because after asking other people which one they had, that one was the most successful for weight loss.

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 had fears of dying and leaving my family behind. I think every normal person would have these fears! I even knew a girl who died from complications and everyone that knew I was having it would remind me of her. I did alot of praying to God and had alot of other people praying for me also!

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 happy for me, but let me know they were scared! I knew I was in Gods hands and what would be would be!

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

I am a self employeed hairstylist and stayed out of work for about 5 weeks. When I started to get some strength back I would go into work for about an hour at a time.

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

I stayed at Norton Suburban in Louisville. My nurses were wonderful. The only thing I ever got upset about was they kept telling me to get up and walk, yet no one would come and help me! I packed too much junk. Bring houseshoes and a thin housecoat.

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

NONE! Praise the Lord!

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 feel great and have had no anxiety. This is what I wanted and this is what I got.

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

I slept in a recliner for at least a week. If someone wants to stay with you while your spouse is at work, let them! Don't try to cook and clean the house. Take it easy and just relax and let your body heal!

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

3 hours away! I didn't mind the drive. My Dad takes me to all my appointments and it gives us time to chat!

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.

EAT S-L-O-W-L-Y! They tell u this for a reason! I know it's hard to eat for 45 minutes on 2 oz of food, but it's very important! I have vomited on spaghetti, fish, sunflower seed's. It did'nt hurt and was instant relief. I don't think I ate to much, but definately too fast!

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

I didn't do much of anything the first week i was home. I went to walmart about my second week and had to sit down on a bench. Now I am ready to start walking.

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

I take a multi vitamin,sublingual b-12,and a calcim chew daily.

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?

Vomiting has been my only "problem" so far. I just vomit and go on with myself! LOL

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

The waiting in between my insurance and getting all the other tests done before I got an actualy surgery date. Some was my fault because we moved in between all of this and I had to find new doc's.

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

We have a small amount of people who meet in my community once a month. I get most of my support by just going to obesityhelp.com.

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

It's healed up very well. The part nearest my breast took longer to heal and is wider than the bottom of my scar, but that's ok. I use vitamin e oil on it every night.