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

I seen a commerical form St. Vincents Bariatric Surgery on tv. I wanted it as soon as I seen it.

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

When I first tried this about 2 years ago, my insurance company (then Intercare) denied me. In september the company I work for switched insurance carriers which is now Pe5 Health Services. I was approved after about 4 weeks from the time they received the letter from Dr. Inman's office. I love them! Tina and Nurse Carol have been wonderful!

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

It was exciting! Dr. Inman explained everything we needed to know about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There has never been a single moment since I learned about this surgery that I didn't want it. I did get scared at one point, but not enough to cancel it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the suggestion of my 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 trust that GOD will see me through this.

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 daughter was so excited when I told them I was approved. We all can't wait. My friends are very supportive. We can't wait to see the new me!

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

I haven't told my supervisor yet. I am waiting until the surgery date is closer. I'll let him know the first week of April.

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

I really liked St. Vincent's Hospital in Carmel. The nurses were very nice. I stayed for 7 days.

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

I had a hard time keeping water and ice down. Other than that everything was great.

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 to get approved and to learn that my surgery date was much sooner than expected. I am very anxious!

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

I was very sore. Couldn't keep food down. I was pretty miserable.

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

St. Vincent's is about an hour drive from my house.

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 mostly ate scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal and popcicles. I couldn't stomach cereal with milk or anything but soft foods. As the months went by I was able to eat more of a variety of food. It is so important to eat your protein. It's been 16 months since surgery and I can eat small portions of anything I want except most sweets.

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

I couldn't move around much at first. As the months went by I was less sore and could do more things.

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

B12 is one of the most important vitamins to take and a multivitamin as well.

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 vomited quit a bit and has some hair loss. Eventually they both stopped. B12 will help with the hair loss.

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

The worst part was being away from my daughter and the pain. If I had to do it all over again....I would. It was well worth it.

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

I have not attended any support groups. My family and friends are my support.

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

The scar is not to bad. I should have used some kind of ointment on it to make it heal better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During the 12-15 month period I lost very little weight. I am now back on it and losing again. I would like to lose 10 more pounds. Water pills I find help with getting the few pounds left off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. It's a shame the way heavy people are treated. People are much nicer and more interested in me now.