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

My niece told me her mother in law had the surgery and had lost almost 100 lbs in 1 year. I went to the seminar.

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 I have medicare only. I also had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabeties, diabetic neuropathy, my blood sugar was never normal no matter what medications I took, the neuropathy was bad. I hurt all the time my feet and led stung burn and cramp.

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

My visit with Dr T was great he made me at ease with the surgery it self. He explain what he was going to do. He also told me support from friends and family were important. You need to ask questions dont be afraid to ask them. No question is a dump one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health, I was afraid of dieing. My diabetes and the neuropathy had just gotten to bad and out of control. I was taking so many pills and shots that I did not want to live that way any longer. So I chose the surgery which after 17 days I still feel great and that it was the best chose for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went into the doctors office with my mind set on having the lab band. Dr T said that the lab band was not the best for me with all my medical problems. He explain that the gastric would be the best way for me to go. I said it will hurt tho he just laughed and said "Marie all surgery hurts" and we both laughed and I said ok gastric by pass it is....

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 the fear of hurting and not being able to do what I wanted to do and not being able to eat food. Well I will get to eat food just not as much. The pain I have is nothing like I thought it would be the neuropathy is worse than the surgery. I have no fears the nurses at the OR prayed with me and after that I was fine.

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?

Family my sister and niece were right there for me. My daughter has not spoken to me. She had me dieing on the table. She is mad because I had the surgery. My boyfriend said that I have changed my cooking for him that it dosent taste the same we laugh I keep telling him I cant taste the food as I cook it so it will be different.

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

I work part-time for a wrecker service I dispatch at night. I was out of work for 2 days, I went into the motel on Monday and in Hospital on Tuesday surgery I was at home on Wednesday and took call that night at 5:30pm. I was great. I told her the truth I talk to her like I did my family. She is behind me all the way.

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

The most important thing to bring to the hospital is your bible. My stay at the hospital was great. The nurses were great the food was ok all I could eat was banana pops. I stayed in there less than 48 hrs I went in on Tuesday Morning and was out of there on Wednesday afternoon.That was great.

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

No I had no complications what so ever.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It went so fast I did not think about much. I let God handle things.

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

It took some getting used to. I was still cooking for the boyfriend. I had to blend everything I ate I drank my protein shakes drank my water....

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

I live 60 miles from my doctor which has not affected my care at all. I don't drive I have to get my sisters to take me to my appointments.

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 no longer eat fired foods, cabbage, salads or anything else that much. I drink 6 bottles waters 20 oz water and banana pops sugar free. I drank 2 protein shakes a day and try to eat eggs, grits and cheese for breakfast. I eat 2 bites of pizza, I also eat just bites of meat no longer do I eat hamburgers. If I go out to eat I get a child's plate.

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

I am more active now than I have been all my life.

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

I take children chewables, tums and B12.

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 still have nausea and throwing up at 6 months post op. NO hair loss thank GOD. I coped one day at a time....

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

My worse part of the process is now the saggy skin I have on my thighs , arms and stomach. Please how do I get rid of it.... I excersise daily. Still nothing...

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

I have no after care support group except for the internet. I fell that the internet is a wonderful thing and my family.

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

I have 4 tiny scars on my stomach they are about 1 inch long other wise nothing. No I thought it might be worse...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I now am only losing about 2 lbs a week. I think that is bad but the dr think that is great. I only have about 30 lbs to go for my goal weight of 160. The doctor wanted me to get to 180 in a year however I am at 192 now it has been 6 months that is a weight loss of 95.5 lbs. I feel that is great I am smaller than I have been since high school 31 years ago.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people do treat me differently they do not look at me like I am a monster.