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

I first found out about Bariatric surgery threw T.V. and Newspaper articles about it. I guess the biggest slap in the face with it is when Carrnie Wilson had it done. (It seems to be the only commercial that is played now adays) My Initial Impression was that "I am not that big to even concider it, but what a great tool for people bigger than me."

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 issues getting approval my Dr's office staff took care of everything If I am not mistaken It was 5 or 6 days from the time the Dr's office sent out for the approval to the time I recived the approval in the mail...

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

My first visit with my surgeon was an initial consult, I was reffered to him by another Surgeon because he took my insurance. I must say I was a little intimidated with him at first. He was so much younger than I had expected (although not a bad thing) He spoke to me about every aspect of the surgery and even gave me a pop quiz to see if I was really doing my homework on WLS ( I passed ) My surgeon kept asking me if I had any questions (at that time I couldn't think of one) he just seemed taken back by the fact that I had no questions. I think he will be quite surprised by the List I have for him on my next appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have a 9 month old daughter whom I want to give the world to. She is all I have, and at the same time I am all she has. I want to be able to be around as long as I possibly can to make sure that I don't miss a thing about her life. Being a single mom I want to make sure she has a role model in me. What kind of role model would I be If I am unable to take care of myself. What Kind of mom would I be If I had to limit what she does because I can't move. I want to be able to walk without pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really feal that the RNY is the only way I can feel motivated. There is no doubt in my mind that with the right "tool" I can make it work.

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 no fears on dying from complications or the surgery. I belive I have less of a chance of dying if I get the surgery than If I don't.

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?

The reaction from my friends and family have been positive ones (thank God) I have full support from everyone! But It wasn't always that way... some thought I could do it on my own without surgery, some thought I was being lazy... blah blah blah

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

DNA - not working

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

I had such a wonderful experience in the hospital I went into surgery on Tuesday November 11th 2003 at 6am and was realesed on Thursday November 13th 2003 at 6pm... I only brought one thing with me, My phone book... if i couldn't sleep I would harrass friends or family I say don't worry about bringing anything it only means you have to pack stuff up to take home.

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

No compications at all... I attribute this to my positive attitude and willingness to get the hell out of the hospital (AND A GREAT SURGEON)

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

WEEKS WHAT WEEKS I recived my approval on Halloween and called the Dr's office on the 3rd of Nov. only to find out my surgery would be in 8 days... there was no weeks for me only mer. days.

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

I feel like such a lucky duck... My first week home was "normal" for me, I mean I really didn't do much diffrent I still cooked and cleaned and tended to my baby. I did have a minor bout with mourning the loss of food but finally sucked it up and went on.

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

I think my travel time is like 15-20min from my home... Not a long ride (unless it was rush hour)

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 am now almost 6 months Post-op and have found I am able to tolerate just about anything I try... the key to that is small portions and even smaller bites... the only thing I am unable to have is "regular coffee"

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

My activity level even to date now is quite low... I thought that loosing weight would help the pain I was in and thus far everything has gone away with the exception of my back pain... I can only walk for a short period of time before my lower back starts hurting real bad... but I do try to get in as much walking as possible... I am forever walking up and down the stairs in my house (sometimes for no reason what so ever) I am hoping that as time passes and more weight comes off my back will allow me to get in a hell of a lot more exercise.

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

2 Childrens Flinstones Vitamins everyday and 3 Viactiv

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?

the only thing that has bothered me is the Hair Loss... it has started when I was 4 months post op and still is falling out now (at 6months) I would rather be healthy, slim, and bald than where I was.... The hair loss is not noticeable to anyone but me but I am hoping that it does end soon.

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

the only real problem I have had with the surgery.... is the tube you wake up with right after surgery that goes into your nose down into your stomach... that hurt real bad... had it not been for that tube I think I would not have needed my morphine pump.

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

my only support goup is here on obesityhelp.com I have found so many people that know EXACTLY what you are talking about and they all have wonderful advice and they will kick you in the butt if needed. I have found this the most helpful to me only because I have people to relate with me, I don't have to explain every little detail of what I can and can't eat to these people THEY ALREADY KNOW.

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

I had my surgery done Lap... I expected something alot worse than what I have... all it is are 5 little tiny marks which are nothing compared to some of my strech marks

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am blessed yet again... no plateau's that I know of... I don't weigh myself on a daily nor weekly basis I will get on a scale when I am at the Dr's office and maybe once or twice at home. I don't want a scale to dictate my progress I want the way I feel, my energy and the looseness of my clothes to do that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am not expected to be the "Funny" one anylonger I have found I can actualy hold out an almost serious conversation with anyone.