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

I learned about it by seeing things on TV & from some people. But when I started seeing it on TV about other people storys & seeing the pro's & con's of it I said to my self "this is what I need to do for my self". I liked what I saw and learned about it. I would recommed it to others. The ones who what to do it for the right reason.

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

As for insurance stuff, there is not much I can say.....I needed to do this for medical reason more than anything.

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

My first meeting was very like wow this is happing. Cool!! They explained everything to me & they made me feel like they can help me with this new journey. They even answered my questions that I had. I would would recommend for any ones first vist make a list with all the question you have, that way you don't forget what you want to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My kids.......I want to be around for a very long time. Pluse I have a grandbaby who I love sooo much & I want to see her grow up too.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well seeing all the TV shows on diets & people's storys on different weight loss programs.....Gastric Byass was the one I really new would work for me.

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 didn't have any fears. I told my self that if Jesus wanted me to come home he will take me when he want's too. I could die driving a car, walk across the street, heart attack, in my sleep. There are many was we will die, but I new that Jesus would not take me away from the ones I love, cause they still needed me. I knew I have many more years to be around, so I did it!!

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 family was very exited for me, but my husband was really worried. He just keeped tell me that he loved me just the way I am and I don't need to change my looks for him. But I told him "it's not about changing my looks, it's about me being around for longer time with him & the kids". My kids where just worried about me going under the knife. But once I explained to them & they all saw the little cuts, all was OK!! I have lots of family support & they are so happy that I am happy!!

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

I don't have a JOB.

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

The staff was really great and supportive. They made me feel really good about my self!! I enjoyed my stay & I had no problems with anything. I did a lot of walking, something we have to do anyway. I was there like three days, that went by very fast. What should you bring...."A DVD PLAYER TO SEE MOVIES". I say that, cause if for some reason you do get stuck in bed you have something to see, beside hospital cable. I found my self see the cooking chanel while there. Funny huh.

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

I am very happy to say I had no problems with anything!!!

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 really great & I have lots of energy. Something I need, being that I have five kids. But only four are with me. I don't find myself sitting around seeing TV the way I use to. As for anxiety, well I really don't have a problem with that, thank God!!

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

Well remember that you can't eat like you use too and for all those stuff that we really like that we can't eat now.....STAY AWAY FROM THAT!!! You should really follow the book & take your time. I really do recommend that you use baby spoons & folks. This is what I tell my self " the smaller the spoon, more bits". It works for me. I also recommend you make a calendar & put down when you have the B12 and put little dots for each 8oz of water you drink. That way you know how much you are taking in. Thats what I do.

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

I didn't have to travel far.....I was only three miles from the hospital.

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.

Well I just followed the book and doing things the way it recommends. I am only two months out, so there is still somethings I am getting use to. When I eat Chicken, I do get sick most of the time. Like it's to dry for me or heavy. Even some meats. But I have been eating more sea food & I like that. It's just been kinda hard puting menus together, so If any one has Idea's send them my way..

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

Very active.....I felt like I can do anything, but my insides, well they where all jack up.... My daughter kept telling me to take it easy. That is really hard for me. All I wanted to do was cook & keep my house clean.

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

I am doing Option two on the vitamins sheet they give us. That one has been really working for me.

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?

The nausea I have now and then. But the vomiting has happened like four times already. Two of the times is cause I ate to fast, I was in a hurry and the other time it was chicken. The two other times well not sure why it happen, but it did. Not a nice feeling. As for sleeping can't really tell you, I have always had troble with sleeping. But all this stuff does not really bother me to much. My husband just hate it when I do get sick.

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

Nothing!!!

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

I have so much on my plate that I have not had a chance to go to any group meetings. But I do have a lot of family & friends support. But most of all I have four new friends from this. Joanna, Richelle, Pam, and Patsy. Who also had the surgery. Pam & I had surgery the same day and we have a six month date for lunch. I have a wonderful support from my loved one's!!

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

They are there.....it's not about looks. For me I just wanted to be healther. My husband still finds me very sexy!! Got to love him, I do very much.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Na......I am still the same person. Just a little little less of me now...hahahahahaha.