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

I first started researching it when Carnie Wilson had WLS. I had heard of it before when Rosanne had WLS.

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

After my initial denial with my previous insurance, I knew to contact my insurance company immediately. I checked my status each week. I initially found out the requirements for approval. I scheduled my appointments for all the necessary tests and had almost everything done prior to my consult with the surgeon to expedite my surgery.

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

I would recommend that someone considering WLS bring a list of questions with them and write down the doctor's answers. I would recommend researching the procedures, pre and post diet plans, the hospitals in your area, and the doctors in your area that do WLS. Visit several doctors and visit the facilities, or call the hospitals and inquire whether they have a bariatric unit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mother dying of heart disease at the age of 62 when I was 39. I weighed 60-70 lbs. more than my mother ever did. I was afraid that I would be diagnosed with heart disease and die young. My insurance was switching on Sept. 1 to a plan that wouldn't cover WLS. I had to make the decision whether to go through with it or not.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Once Dr. Reyes informed me of the pros and cons to the gastric banding and RNY, I was leaning towards the gastric banding. My insurance considered it experimental and would not cover it.

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 spent the Saturday night before my surgery writing "In case I die" letters to my daughters, my husband, my sisters, my dad, and my friends. I wasn't nervous. I had a calmness the morning of my surgery. I had confidence in my surgeon and his abilities. I knew that God would guide his hands.

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 husband was extremely supportive as was my dad. My sisters were very apprenhensive. My older sister didn't approve. Now, after surgery, my younger sister is considering WLS. My older sister, a nurse, still doesn't approve. She keeps her opinion about WLS to herself, but I know she doesn't approve. I don't keep secrets well, so I would tell my family everything all over again.

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

My principal and coworkers were very supportive. I still have their utmost support.

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

I checked in to Rio Grande Regional on Monday morning, had surgery Monday early afternoon, and was discharged on Wednesday. I had exceptional care from the nursing staff and especially the nursing assistant. I don't remember her name now, but she was wonderful. I didn't bring anything extra with me except a bright red housecoat and slippers. The nurses brought me extra pillows and blankets. I didn't use my slippers. I was afraid I would slip and fall walking the halls. I used the rubber-bottom socks the hospital provides. I wore the hospital gowns under my housecoat. I didn't want fluids and blood on my own gown.

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

Thank God, No.

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 so anxious. I got my date about 2 weeks before I had surgery. I wasn't anxious in a bad way, just couldn't wait to get it done.

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

I was home on Wednesday. I went back to work 2 weeks from my surgery date. I lay on the sofa most of the days of the first week, ironically, watching the food network. I had minimal pain. I would suggest that someone having surgery have some piece of equipment to help them get up from the sofa or the bed. I had the most pain when doing this. I was home alone during the day.

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

Local, less than 10 miles.

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 days following surgery I had no appetite, but had to eat. I ate broth, SF jello, and other liquids, protein shakes. After 2 weeks, I was able to add softer foods like liquidy oatmeal and creamy soups. I began eating meats - egg, chopped up tuna, chopped meats at about 2 months out. I didn't eat steak or hard meats until about 5 months out. After about a year out, I could eat pretty much anything. Some foods, like my favorite broccoli/spinach casserole at Luby's is totally off-limits. I dump immediately.

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

My activity level slowly increased, but by a month out, I felt ready to do most everything.

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

Daily: multi-vitamin, caltrate, B-12, and vitamin C, and sometimes, protein shakes.

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 didn't have a real problem with side effects. I probably dumped less than 8 times - 2x with chicken, 2x with the spinach/broccoli casserole from Luby's, 1x with the fried fish at Luby's, and a couple of times from eating too fast or eating something sweet.

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

The worst part is some people's attitudes towards WLS. Some people perceive you as a loser b/c you didn't lose the weight the "right" way.

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

I was attending my doctor's monthly meetings at the hospital monthly. I'm more compliant with my diet and exercise regimen when I attend these meetings.

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

I have 5 small incisions and a dip. The dip is right over my stomach area. I'm not bothered by it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people perceive me differently. I get more professional respect.