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

My husband and I had a discussion about my weight in January, 2001. I had prayed and told God he had to help me with the weight loss. He knew I couldn't do it on my own. While going to lunch in Chicago one day, I stopped at a store to get a magazine and on the front of People Magazine was Carnie Wilson. I started crying right in the store and nearly dropped to my knees and thanked God and then laughed and said "boy, nothing like hitting me in the face." I still have that magazine. I immediately called my husband and told him the story and called BTC the same day and made the appointment.

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 problems with my insurance company. Before going to any appointment regarding surgery, call your insurance first. The reason I say that is because I did and I was afraid my insuance company would deny the surgery and I didn't want to get my hopes up and then be turned down by insurance. I have a friend who I met with in November and told him about the surgery. The had an HMO and switched to a PPO effective January 1st so he could have the surgery done.

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

Go in to any center with a lot of questions. Do a lot of research before going in so you know what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have a wonderful husand who married me when I was heavy. I have two young daughters. I want to be around for all 3 of them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This is the only procedure they do.

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?

Since I'd never had surgery before this procedure, I didn't know what to expect. I went in feeling good and my only fear was when they put the oxygen mask over my face to put me to sleep. The next thing I knew a very kind voice was saying "Mrs. Alexander, it's over and everything went fine."

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 sister was concerned about the surgery and the weight loss, but my entire family and friends were and continue to be very supportive!

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

They were surpised. I told them everything about the surgery and how long I would be out. They were very supportive of me.

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

I had a private room. Since the distance from my home and the hospital was over 100 one way, my husband stayed at a local hotel the entire time. If after he left me for the evening, they told him to call anytime if he needed an update. The entire staff of BTC treated me with respect and kindness. During the evenings when I couldn't sleep, they would come in and talk with me. I was in the hospital 4 days. Bring a family photo, a book to read and a CD player to listen to music.

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

No complications

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

Since it was during the summer, it was the best time for me to get out early in the morning to walk. Since the first few weeks you're on clear liquids, I made the mistake one day to come to the dinner table and watch my family eat steak, fries and all the fixings. I got up from the table and went into the bedroom and cried.

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

I'm a side sleeper and the first few weeks I didn't sleep well. I slept sitting up on the couch. I wasn't in pain, but with the cumberbun across your mid-section, it was hard to manouver.

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

100 miles one way. I was driving 3 weeks after surgery, so I packed up my mom and two daughters and made a day adventure out of the drive.

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.

A lot of sugar, fat, roughage. You will find that down the road your taste-buds change. Foods I craved I can't tolerate the smell, let alone to eat them. I used to love hamburgers, but I can't eat them anymore. I can eat steak, but not hamburgers, even ground round.

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

It was slow. I think mine mostly was because of the heat, but I learned to get up early (5:00 am) and take my morning walk. Everyday I would walk a little farther.

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

Bugs Bunny Sugar free vitimans 2x daily.

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?

I did have a nausius stomach at times. I also had the vomiting and that is because I'd either eaten something with too much sugar or fat. I've know my limits now.

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

Not being able to eat full portions like I used to. I'm finding that I waste a lot of food.

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

I had a neighbor who had the surgery done 2 weeks after I had mine and we've been each other's support group. BTC does have support groups, but not within my area.

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

My scar goes from between my breasts down to my belly button. I put aloe vera cream on it daily so it won't dry. The only thing I can't do is wear a two piece bathing suit!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on a plateau where I haven't lost any weight in about 3 weeks. It seems my body is catching up and I'll begin losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very much so.