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

I believe I found out about this through watching a show on Carney Wilson. I believe I was in shock to know I even topped her highest weight and that really bothered me. I started talking to my PCP about it and then got a referrel to a wonderful doctor.

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

My experience with the insurance was not bad at all. I have a good health care provider: Carefirst Blue Choice. I was approved within a week.

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

My surgeon seemed very knowledgable and secure in his profession. The most important thing for me was that I felt secure walking out of his office for the first time. You should ask as many questions; no matter how long it takes. GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!!! There is no question that is stupid regarding this surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just sick of my life. I was sick of hurting physically and emotionally. I knew I had to do something or else I would die at an early age and never accomplish all I wished to accomplish.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Basically, I just talked to Dr. Aand he told me which he would think was best. Thankfully, it was also the one with least pain..so I have heard.

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?

My fears were minimal. I was so deperate to have this and I knew if I didn't I would die at an early age. My future was enough to convince me that everything would be ok. I knew God had a plan for me. You have to decide what is best for you. There are some people who believe that they can do this on their own without help of the surgery. If you think that is you then try it. However, if you have tried to lose weight amd failed each time... you have to weigh your positives and negatives. WHAT IF I DO NOT GET THIS SURGERY? HOW MUCH LONGER WOULD I LIVE? WHAT IF I DO HAVE THIS SURGERY? HOW MUCH WILL MY LIFE CHANGE??

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?

They were all extremely supportive. My mom could not bear to see me gain any more weight and my husband and I were having some marriage difficulties due to it. My mom and sister flew up from Alabama to Maryland to be here for me when I went through this. My husband was with me the whole time. My mom stayed for a couple days after to help around the house. They are all so supportive.

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

Everyone in the hospital was EXTREMELY caring. They helped you out in any way possible. So, I would have to say my stay was pleasant for the experience. I found the most important thing to bring was lip balm. You can not drink anything until the day after surgery so your lips can tend to become dry.

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

I am not sure if this is a complication from the surgery because it came going into my 3rd week after but my pancreas stated acting up. I went back into the hospital for a week. I am now feeling great thanks to God, Dr. Averbach and Dr. Singh and the wonderful nurses!!

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

WOW! Before I got my date I was just so anxious to GET the date. Afterwards, it turned into fear. All the "What ifs" started coming to my mind. I talked it out with my husband and made wonderful friends on this website. I can honestly say, they have helped me tremendously.

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

Well, they were tough just because I had to get used to not eating whatever I wanted WHENEVER I wanted. I would see others eating icecream and cookies. It really bothered me. I got mad at them. I realize now that it was not THEM I was mad at but myself for craving this so soon afterwards.

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

Not far at all.. 20 mins.

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.

The first 2 weeks I was on just pureed food. This was tough. I found it hard to tolerate my protien drinks. After the 2nd week I was able to eat whatever (besides sweets and real fatty foods.) I could not tolerate cheese or noodles. It was tough. Toothpaste was another thing REALLY rough on me. I am now over that and I can tolerate almost everything except too much cheese.

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

Very week until about a month afterwards. After a month there was no stopping me.

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

I take 2 Pioneer Multi Vites a day. Prevacid for 6 mo. and tums for calcium. I also have monthly B12 shots.

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 was diagnosed with Pancreatitis 3 wks after surgery. That was the worst; however, I do not know if it had to do with the surgery. I am now experiencing hair loss 4 mos out. It isn't horrible but still aggravating.

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

I go to a support group the first and third Thursday of every month. I also post a lot on this board. It is a great feeling to know that you can help people and inspire them. I think a support group should be mandatory. It is so helpful.

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

I have 6 incisions. I had LAP RNY . My scars are minimal and better than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

As of right now, I do not have any plateaus. I am sure they are to come. It is March 26th and had my surgery on March 2nd. My last weigh in was on March 17th and I had lost 28 lbs. Hopefully, within this week I have lost more. It is now July 8 and still no plateaus. I have lost 95 lbs and am so happy about this loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I am only 24 days post-op so no not really. It will come.