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

Well when I was living in DC I was referred to a surgeon. He spoke to me about 1-2 minutes, I felt rushed and had no information really. The only info I had was that I would have some scopes stuck in my stomach and I would have bypass surgery. But I knew that before seeing him. So I did not follow through after finishing all the pre surgery tests. BUT!!! Since moving to Texas, I have found out about Dr Warnock and his staff. I feel confident with him and his staff. Dr Warnock makes sure you understand the procedure, that it is OPEN RNY. I can't imagine a better surgeon out there. He is an angel in disguise

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

I have had no issues where insurance is concerned. I think that most people should fight fight fight!! Don't give up hope and make sure you know your policy!

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

Dr. Warnock's office had already sent me so much info pre the consultation. When I went in, I felt like I just reviewed much of it with him. He was very informative, listened to me and my feelings. I know his staff was very professional and caring. I think that making a list before hand is a good idea. Make sure you are getting all the info you want before deciding to follow through.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I think Dr Warnock's confidence made me confident. I truly feel like there is a loving, caring environment there. I know that this will change my life. I know it will change my family's lives. I want to do it now before my body falls apart any more and my daughter is gone to college. I want to do this for me but also for all my loved ones.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew right away which I would have. I wanted Gastric Bypass, even Route-en-y. I just think that this is a serious operation but that it delievers real results. I feel like the lapband is not for me because it is reversable, I think all surgeries have risks and I feel that the lapband risks are scarier than the GB.

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 am pre op so I will say that yes, I have had those fears. I do not have them so much now, the closer it gets to surgery. I feel that GOD put me here, put Dr. Warnock here, and gave me this opportunity for a life change! I know that if it is my time, it won't matter where I am. There are risks with all surgeries and even having teeth removed can kill you. Anytime you have to be "put under" you run a risk. You just have to decide which is a larger risk, having surgery or staying obese.

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?

I have to be honest and say that I am not telling many of my extended family members. I have told those whos opinion means something to me. I have probably told more friends actually. The overall response has been positive. My mother once in awhile says, "you have lost so much weight pre op, why not try it on your own." I say to that, that I have for 10+ years and look how that has worked out.

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

I am not currently working

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days/2 nights. My stay was fantastic, but I was ready to come home. The pain patch they put on me made me super drowsy so I was not walking as much as I would like to have. The most important things to take, in my opinion, is some lip balm and your own clothes!

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

No complications from surgery so far! Thankfully...

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

Honestly, I had little anxiety. I was ready for the change, confident in my doctor (Dr. Warnock) and tired of being sick and tired. I think when she told me I could have the surgery done so soon, I was a bit shocked at first but very quickly felt relief! My new life was around the corner!!

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

My first few weeks home were great! I started walking right away, had so much energy, could hold things down. However, once released to eat more foods, I had dumping OFTEN! I think some of it was my fault and some was just the new stomach pouch getting use to working..ha ha. I am not having as much of an issue any more.

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

My doctors office and hospital are located within a 10 minute drive or so from my home. I had no issues with aftercare. My doc is wonderful keeping up with me and my progress.

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.

Foods that I can't eat still to this day are tuna fish, eggs, many of the protein drinks and chicken. Foods that are off limits include steak, sugars, fatty foods, breads, pastas. Week by week I had many issues. I am now 3 months post op and having less issues with "dumping". I can almost eat whatever I want with no issues.

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

I have been so much more active since surgery. Other than I have knee trouble, I would be walking farther and faster than ever. I do walk faster and farther than before surgery for sure. I plan on doing some water exercises and weight lifting when released to do these activities.

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

I take my Calcium, Iron and Multivitamin. I also started taking Biotin Forte due to some minor hair loss.

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:never had it. Vomiting(dumping): Have had a LOT of. Sleep Disturbances: Currently having. Hair loss:Currently having. Dumping is slowing down now though. It is hard to cope with not being able to keep anything down. Hair loss is an issue for me. I cut my hair before surgery and wish I had all that now. My hair is thinning. The sleeping issues are becoming a problem for sure! It is hard when my husband and daughter are able to sleep but I am not.

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

I have to say that the worst part has been the dumping. I have struggled with this for months and now it is almost not an issue at all. I got frustrated and wondered from time to time if I had made a mistake having surgery. Sure, looking at the scale go down felt good, but I felt like I was failing. I was failing myself, my doctor. I felt as though I was doing something wrong. Some of the time, maybe. But I feel that some of it was the new pouch getting in working order. It had to figure out its role in my body.

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

I have support from my family and friends. They play a daily and HUGE role in my progress. I also have my doctor, Karin (his nurse) and his staff. They genuinely care and that is important. I also attend bariatric meetings that the doctor provides free of charge once a month (which he always attends). Having others who understand TRULY what you have been through, words can't describe that. They "get" me and what I am dealing with.

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

I knew it would be a big scar. I think it is not as bad as I thought sometimes and HUGE other times. It is sensitive though the further post op I get.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, 3 months post op.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't really notice too much difference yet. I do however notice heads turning, which is flattering. Even though i am happily married, it is nice to see that others appreciate your outter appearance.