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

I worked at a hospital and a lot of people were having it done. I did not want my insides rearranged. I liked the end results but wasn't sure if it was for me. Then I got worse.

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

Mine was very easy. The only thing I can say is have all your paperwork in order.

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

My first meeting was a whirl wind. I had so much going on that day. I wish it had been just me, my husband, and the Dr. Richards. But I really talked to the interns more that day than I did Dr. Richards. Be more prepared. I thought I was. But when they came in they were so hurried it threw me off a little.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My kids. I want to be here in 10 years for them. And not in a wheelchair, because I'm to big to walk.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have no will power the lap band would not have worked for me. With this one I have no chose but to make it work. I do not like to be sick at my stomach or vomit.

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 am afraid that something might go wrong. But Dr. Richards made me feel like he has is all under control. So I am going to trust in him to handle things. And the things that he can not handle, I know God will be right there to back him up. I put it all in God's hands.

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 but my mom was very supportive of my decision. They understood why I needed to do it. I was too afraid of me dieing. So I told her very little. I didn't even tell her about the surgery date till about a week and a half before. I couldn't deal with her negativity.

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

They were very understanding and told me to do what I needed to do. My job would be there when I got back. I'm still out. But I'm hoping for two weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. Bring all the tihings that will make you feel better or closer to home. My stay was too long and I had a lot of problems.

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

I had a fever of unknow origin and I had swelling of the esophagus. I had an allergy reaction to the pain meds. There wasn't anything I could do but deal with them. Thank God my husband was there to speak for me when I couldn't.

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 stayied a busy as possible with work and the kids. I also tried to eat at all my favorite restrants. Then I went on the liquid diet that was the worst.

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

No energy. Lots and lots of gas. I'm having nausa and the shakes. And pains that just shoot around the abdomen for no reason and at anytime. Oh and the staples suck. The give you pain on the outside. The sooner they are out the better.

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

To Nashville TN from Nebo KY. It's a two hour drive. I had to stop every 30 min and walk to make sure no blood clots would form. Had to get pain meds right before I left. I was hurting by the time we pulled into the driveway.

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.

salad I could get it at first, now at 7 months out it gives me awful stomach pains. I can eat bread, but I don't because it lays heavy on my stomach.

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

almost nothing. I have a rough month and a half after surgery.

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

multivitamin and caluim tablets

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?

nausea for about a month and a half. hair loss from 3rd month to 6 months out. Still have a few problems with the bowels from time to time even at 7 months out.

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

Not going to the bathroom for 2 weeks after the surgery then being put in the hospital because of it. Feeling like I was starving and not knowing what to eat. Being allergic to all the pain medicine.

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

I had my friends and family and this weightloss site. It is very important to have support.

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

5 small scars over my whole stomach. It's about what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About every two weeks I seem to hit a snag for a 3 to 4 day period.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are curious about what I am eating. And what my weightloss is.