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

I HEARD ON TV AND MY NIECE HAD THE SURGERY.AND AS SOON AS I FOUND OUT ABOUT IT,THERE WERE NO DOUBTS IN MY MIND THAT THIS WAS A BLESSING FROM GOD.AND I'M GOING FOR IT.THE RISKS ARE NO MORE RISKIER THAN THE FAT.

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 AT ALL WITH MEDICAID, AND I THINK IT TOOK ABOUT 3 WEEKS.

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

The 1st meeting was very interesting. Dr Strickland said he could help me. At a 1st meeting go prepared with a list of questions you would like to ask the doc. Sometimes you get nervous and forget things. Pay attention to your gut feeling about the surgeon, if he makes you feel uneasy or doesn't want to answer your questions, go somewhere else!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was no doubt in my mind from the time I found out Medicaid would pay it. I was at the point that death would've been a blessing to me. I was tired of being sick.

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

My experience was a nice one. The staff at Lexington Medical Center was wonderful. They gave me A1 care. I was there 8 days. LMC furnished almost everything I needed. I did take some loose fitting gowns and house coat. And also it's a good idea to take some sanitary pads with you, alot of people start their period after surgery for some reason. Those at the hospital are bulky. (Sorry guys for being a little graphic)!!

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

I was on a ventilator for a couple of days afterwards. My oxygen level didn't want to go up/ But, the doc said it was probably because of the sleep apnea that I had. But, other than thatsmooth sailing. Well, except for the pain. But, that was expected

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 on pins and needles. But, thank goodness I didn't have a real long wait. The surgery in our area was still slightly new, and not as many people were having it then. But, keeping busy and keeping myself occupied helped alot. Thank God for my computer, I wore it out!! LOL!!

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

I was in pain, but i managed. I had no appetite at all. I hate those darn staples. Was in shock when I went bake for my 2 week checkup and had lost 30 lbs. But, I did go through a time of depression. That why I tell people you need to be sure you're emotionally ready for this. I think that was my biggest problem post-op. I was wondering what the heck I'd done to myself. I'd lost my best friend FOOD !! But, I soon got over that, I found a new best friend, SHOPPING !! lOOK OUT POCKET BOOK !!

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

I traveled from Spartanburg to Columbia SC. About 100 miles, more or less. Dr. Strickland was kinda concerned with my trip home so he ordered me a ride on the ambulance so I could be monitored. He was great. I still have to go down there for my visits, but it down to once a year, no big deal. And it's been worth it.

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.

At 1st no bread no sweets, pasta's. Now some bread, I still look for no sugar added products. I did go through the craving sweets phase. If you experience this, don't tempt yourself by taking a little bite, just to stop the craving, it very easy to get into that old habit !!! I'm having to break myself now,from that. I can't eat much but, even a little is to much. Most no sugar added added things are just as sweet.

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

I have an online support group. I haven't been posting there in awhile though. But, I read the post everyday. It was very helpful in the beginning, but now most of the people that was there have moved on and they'res people I don't really know, it's hard for me to talk to people like this, and when I do I don't know when to stop!! I do believe it's very important/helpful to be in a support group, because you can hear other's experiences and learn things which could benefit you.

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

It's awful. But, the fat was alot worse. I really didn't think much about the scar before surgery. And it doesn't really bother me that much, now. I just want never wear a bikini!!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had 2. But, I found upping the protein and lowering the carbs helps alot. I don't know if I'm on a plateau now or if I've stopped loosing, but 272 lbs gone who can complain!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it is such a shame at how the obese are treated. People make you feel inferior, worthless, and are very rude. I still get a few looks, I'm still 240 lbs but, the people who knew me before are great they know where I came from. And the guys, well those who like the full sized ladies, I do get looks sometimes that make me smile inside. People used to turn all the way around to look, but, not anymore.