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

I first saw an ad for BTC in a magazine I was reading. It caught me eye, because the women in the ad was named Dawn, she was blonde, and it just clicked in my head. I wasn't looking for it, it seemed to find me, and I was ready for it.

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

Going through BTC, was easy for the insurance. They prove your case for you, I was approved in nine days once they received the paperwork!

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

Wonderful, Dr. Berkowitz is the best, in my opinion. He was so relazed, and answered every question I had. The best thing to do is to write down your questions as you think of them, all of them from your husband, wife, brother, sister, parents, friends, etc... Write them down, they will be answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Once it was covered by insurance there was no question of why to have it, just when!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

BTC only does it one way. I liked that they had experience with this procedure, and the staff and hospital was accomodating.

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. Same risk as any other surgery, and as far as dying, I was at more risk of dying staying the was I was.

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 has been so wonderful! My Mom cried, she was so happy. My husband was 100% behind me. The only oerson worried about me, was my father in law. He is okay with it now.

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

BTC was great, the hospital is very accomodating to the larger person. I was in for the standard 4 day stay, and was glad to leave. I missed my son. Only really need to bring the essentials, they provide the rest.

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

No problems, I was an ideal patient!

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 a wreck! Made my self sick, by waiting. See I'm the kind of person who when she makes up her mind, she wants to do it now, I'm not a good waiter.... For me this was the hardest part of my whole journey.

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

I slept in a recliner for the first 6 weeks, could not lay flat in our bed. First few day home were a little foggy! But by the 7th day my Mom had me out shopping. Getting ready and the outting wiped me out for the rest of the evening, but we did this every day, it helped in my recovery.

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

I traveled about one hour and 45 minutes away from home for this surgery. Would have gone farther if I had to. Having no complications this was not an issue for me.

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 can tolerate a little sugar, and a little fat, however to much and I dump. I am blessed as I have the best of both worlds, I guess. No real problems with any types of foods, just eating much less of them.

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

high, High and HIGHER!!! You'll be amazed. Although now after 1 year post-op that has leveled off, and I don' feel like Wonder Women anymore, bummer!

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

Since my 6 week check up when I was allowed to swallow a pill, instead of those kids chewables...yuck! I have taken one Centrum A-Z, one B12, one Biotin. That is it, things are working very 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?

Only dumped about 3 times, you learn very quickly... Ouside of hairloss at three months no other problems. I noticed the loss more than anyone else. I used lots of volumizing hair products... The Biotin also helps in this department.

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

As I stated before, waiting for me was the worst. The pain I could tolerate or take drugs for, but nothing could help me get through the waiting.....

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

We only had one group in my area when I nneded one, and it wsn't in a great part of town. I didn't go. Now I am the Co-Leader for the Milwaukee based BTC SG. I love it. We meet twice a month and it is vital in your journey. I'm glad I can help others now.

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

It is lightening now, still long, about 15 inches. Didn't think about the scar. Just another part of the journey...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a few along the way, they would last about 2 weeks, but then the pounds would drop off in chuncks of 3-5 pounds at a time. That is worth waiting for. My longest was 6 weeks, just recently. I've lowered my protien intake to 55-60 grams per day, and it has started to move again, though I am close to goal...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! Men as wel as women. Isn't that a shame... I am still the same person I was before, just less of me.