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

My sisters step daughter, Kim, had it done and almost died from it. I was terrified and swore I would never have the surgery. Then as the weight just kept coming on I had to do something. I would go to seminars about it but just could not make up my mind to do it knowing what Kim had gone through.

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

I was lucky and have a wonderful insurance. Independant Blue Cross and terriffic. I called them, they sdaid they paid for Bariatric Surgery and the insurance and Dr. Chung done the rest.

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

It was scary, knowing the step I was about to make. A life long commitment. Especially, when you are from southern Louisiana and all the food is so spicy and so good. But I had to do something to take control of my life. You have to be positive and really want to do something for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went to AA Western to get me a pair of Lawman Jeans. They had none in a size 20 and could not order any. I walked out of that store and promised myself I would get me a pair of lawman jeans. One way or another.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed to lose at least 110 lbs. I knew the RNY was the one for me,

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 very scared. But I knew I had 3 daughters that needed their mom. Without surgery I was going to be sick. It was just a chance I had to take and knew God would be with me through this. I would do it all over again.

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 kind of worried about me having it at first, but he told me if that was what I wanted then he was all for it. My dad is up in age and very sick, he well informed my I better not have this surgery done. My mom just told me she would pray for me with whatever decision I made. My oldest (17 year old) daughter told me she would move out of my house if I had this surgery. Well, I had the surgery and she is still right there at home. My middle child (16 yr old) has been my angel. She has not left my side.

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

I did not tell my co workers what I was having done. I told them I needed a leave, I was having surgery. You have to understand. I work in an office with all men. Men do not ask alot of questions when it comes to women. I was out of work 2 weeks and came back. Today is 2 weeks post op. They did ask yesterday though. Are you ok. You have lost some weight. You not sick are you. It was funny and felt good to be noticed.

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

I had surgery on Tuesday, and was discharged on Thursday. It was not bad. Bring you a pillow and chapstick. Your lips are really dry. The pillow was a lifesaver for me on the way home. I had a 2 1/2 hour ride home.

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

I came home on Thursday. Friday morning I woke up really nauseated. I thought maybe I was dehydrating. I called Marcy and Dr Chung called me in some Phenogren for the nausea. About 4 hours later I was vomiting. (BLack, nasty, stinking,) OMG it was horrible. I called Marcy again. I went to the ER by my home just to get fluids. I went home and Saturday morning woke up vomiting again. I went back to Lake Charles Saturday morning. They admitted me and them I had a BM and I felt like different person. Dr Chung seem to think my body did not want to accept the surgery and then when it realized it had to then it did. It was horrible. Thank God it did not last long.

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

When they called with my surgery date, OMG I was thrilled, scared, nervous. It had finally become a reality that I was having surgery. I had just pulled in at Sonic to order me a Hamrburger and my cell phone rang. It was Dr Chung's Office. It was just an awesome feeling. But yes scary too.

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

I guess with my body trying to reject the surgery, I just did not want alot of company. I was happy that I had the surgery but kind of scared that something else was going to go wrong. I am still scared. I am 2 weeks post-op. Then I started my period today. Last night I was hurting really bad and kind of nauseated and thought I was starting again like I did before. Then when I started this morning I was kind of relieved to at least know what the problem was. I always cramp but this was a different cramp. I guess since the surgery. It was more like a sore feeling.

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

2 1/2 hours away. It really does not affect my after care. I called and explained when things were not right and they were very patient with me and talked to me about it.

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 only 2 weeks post op so I am still on liquids and I do sneak in creamy mashed potatos and very soft foods. I am really not hungry though. I never had alot of will power when it came to food but since my surgery I am happy with what I have to eat and don't want anything else. I have even quit smoking. It has been 3 weeks and I don't want it. IT STINKS!

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

Not very high right now. I do get my walks in but I push it. I started my vitamins yesterday maybe that will help.

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

Centrum multivitamins I just started them.

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?

NAUSEA. I can not stand to vomit so I will sit there with the cold rag and just sit very still and quiet to keep from vomiting. It is not bad anymore unless I eat too much, then it is really bad. After that 4th bite I know to stop.

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

There is no bad part to it if you have no complications. If my body would have accepted it at first, I would not have one complaint. I was scared about the light they run down your throat, I was more scared of that than the surgery, I don't even know they did it. I could not tell you anything about it. I don't remember it at all.

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

I am sure support groups are awesome. Where I live we have none.. That is the only thing with having the surgery soo far away.

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

It is five small incisions. I don't think they will leave too bad of scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have a real soreness on the left side right below where the drain tube was. There is also alot of swelling right there. Each day is a little better though. I have not taken the pain pills since I came home from the hospital, which is a good thing, that means I was not hurting too bad.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They are nicer and I don't feel like they are staring and laughing at me.