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

After seeing Carney Wilson's surgery and researching this information on the net. I thought it was the most drastic choice for losing weight, but after attending a meeting and seeing that all of the post-ops were okay and happy. I decided this was for me.

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

I just went to my PCP and told him I wanted to have the surgery. He in turn did a referral to see Dr. Marcus and after the consultation, Dr. Marcus sent a letter back to my PCP and a referral was done for the actual in-house surgery and it was approved within a week. I had completed all of the necessary requirements for the surgery before it was even approved.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After attending the meeting, I was sure I wanted the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Marcus only does the Open RNY, he does not believe in the Lap surgery because he says with most obese patients it hard to manuver with the larger stomach area and he likes to have clear access.

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 have a great fear that I will have severe complications like having my intestines detach from the new site. And I am scared of dying, but I am also scared of having a heart attack at a young age and dying because of the weight. I just have to put my fate in God's hands. And I'm hoping if he doubts that I will come through this okay, he'll send me a sign before the surgery.

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 family does not want me to have the surgery. They say it's too risky and not worth it, but they don't know because of all my family is skinny. Until you walk in an obese person shoes, you don't know how hard it is. I really hate hearing my doctor call me "obese"

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

I haven't told them what kind of surgery I'm having. I figured it's not their business.

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

It was great. The hospital was excellent and the staff very courteous. I did not have to bring anything, they provided me with all my personal needs. If you're bored, bring your personal DVD player.

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

None

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 felt great and I got out and walked around in the Malls. I did not have any anxiety.

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

I hear some people say they are really tired. I was not.

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

I live about 70 miles from the surgeon's office, but I was not in pain, so the travel didn't affect me except during rush hour. I hate traffic.

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 followed my meal schedule set up by the surgeon to the letter. I do find I do I do not like meats too much now, so I have vegetable days and meat days (mostly fish and chicken, no red meat?)

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

I was kinda tired at first, but I still managed to get around. I can do almost anything now. I still cannot run on the treadmill because of asthma.

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

B12 dots, Vitron-C iron supplement, Flinstones Vitamins, Viactiv Calcium chews.

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?

No side effects

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

I get anxiety anytime I am about to have surgery, so waiting to enter the operating room was the worst.

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

My family and they have been real supportive.

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

Minor scars that are fading. I have 5 little scars and they are getting better everyday with my use of Mederma.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued between 282 and 252, none since then.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are constantly asking me what I am doing.