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

I investigated this surgery for about 2 years prior to having it done. I went to conferences and all.

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

To NEVER give up. If they deny you appeal it.

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

Ask ask ask.......questons are very helpful. Even if they lead to the scary answers....lol

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health, my husband and my kids.....

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt as if the Roux En Y procedure was more "permanent". I never wanted to "look back". However, I am also aware that no matter which procedure you have, you can still gain the weight back.

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 was more afraid of dying Morbidly Obese. I have always told people that If I was going to die, I was going to die fighting to be healthier.

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 friends and family were all wonderful, and still are. Relationships do change quite a bit though.

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

The stay was long being that I develped the pancreatitis. It is very important to have a strong support person with you at all times. Without him I dont know that I wouldve made it.

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

Just the pancreatitis. And with that I had no choice in dealing with it.. the Residents & nurses at Uof Chicago were very helpful.

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 too excited to have any anxiety.......lol My dream had finally come true!

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

I started to feel as if the couch was attached to me. I had no energy at first. And the nausea was horrible. But you get thru it.

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

Chicago is about 2 hours from where we live. I had no "aftercare" I wish there had been something closer to my home for follow ups.

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 started with pureed foods for a couple of weeks. I lived on yogurt. Wasnt to fond of baby food. I no longer crave sweets and now I eat almost anything i want.

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

Little to none the first few weeks. And now I go go go go.......lol

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

I take B12 Prenatals, Citracal and

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?

Right now Im going thru the "hair loss" thing and it really sucks. But it will get better with time.

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

The removal of a Drain after 2 weeks of being in the hospital. My tissue had grew around it and when the resident pulled it out, I thought I was dying! Really guys they should put you to sleep to remove them suckers!

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

I started going to a support group here locally. It was wonderful to meet so many people who have gone thru the same emotions as I have!!! Without them and the support of my husband, I dont know what I would have done!!!!

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

My scars are minimal. I had the laproscopic procedure.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The weight loss is slowing down now....Ive lost 143 as of April 1st. Ive been working out at the gym to help with the loss. I think Im loosing inches now.....!!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Hey........what can I say....The guys are all checkin me out now!!!!! LOL.......no seriously......I am getting all sorts of attention now....but the attention that matters most is comming from my hubby *wink*