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

I read about this procedures in magazines. Then I did alot of research on the internet. I also read Carnie Wilsons book I'm still Hungry. At first I was scared and thought no way baby. But I did more research saw my local PCP, and prayed alot to god. After a lot of soul searching and many more hours of prayer for god to help give me the stregth to save my own life. Finally God gave me his blessing and I boldly went on with the process never once doughting his promise to see me through this.

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 problem what so ever with my insurance company. They covered the cost of my surgery. They also gave me alot of helpful information on what DR's were in network. The best advice I can give you is to ask questions.

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

The first time I meet Dr Kolenich was an orientaion with about 20 people. We had to sit and listen to him talk about the procedure and his requirements. Then he answered questions and meet with everyone individualy. Once we did that we could set our first Appointment and start testing. My first meeting with DR k my mother and my Grandparents both went with me. Dr k. Answered all my questions and then he got questions from my family. I was very impressed he gave us all straight forward answers and layed everything on the table. Ask any Questions you may have now? I did and I'm glad I did. Dr kolenich is a top notch surgeon and I would refer anyone to him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What finally made me decide to do this is when my family begged me to save my life. My Grandfather looked my straight in the face with tears in his eyes and said I don't want to loose my granddaughter.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr Kolenich does the gastric bypass. After several months of research I found this was the best procedure. I had no choice but to have an open bypass because of the shape of my body it was not possible to do laproscopic.

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 really did not have any fear. I had complete confidence in my surgeon and god. You have to trust your surgeon. Also search your soul long and hard.

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?

Several peaple tried to talk me out of doing it. But I Told the I had made My destion and I was not going to change my mind. I listened to every thing anyone had to say. Every one was very supportive. I would have done nothing different. My angel lori was also very supportive and called before and after surgey and now we call each other and email back and forth.

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

My supervisor was great. She did anything she could to help me. I was off work for 3 weeks. I went back to work and they pulled me from the floor and said It was to soon according to my excuse so I had to call and get a release sent saying I could return to work.

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

I was at the Greenville Horizon Hospital in Greenville Pa. My Hospital care was great. The nurses and the Dr's gave me 100% at what ever I needed. I have been admited there two times now once for three days after surgery. And then another time over night. I have also been In there Short Procedures Unit a couple of times and could not have been any happier with the service I recieved from all of them. WHen I was first admitted I brought everything books, games, magazines, diarys, music, ect. I don't think I actually used any of it. How ever my family played the games and read the magazines. I do suggest taking several loose sweat pants, a house coat, slippers. A teddy bear or small travel pillow to hold against your stomach when you cough or move.

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

The only complication I have had is my esophages has closed off a couple of times. But the fix is simple All they do is put a ballon down your esophages and blow it up and strech it out. It is a simple out patient procedure. Now 7 months after my surgery my gallbladder has to be removed.

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

After I got the surgey date i was so excited. The worst part was waiting for the date to get here. It was very stressful. I was not scared I just wanted it to be over with and know that everything was okay. I kept as busy as I could. I spent alot of time on the internet talking to people.

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

I was sore and very tierd. Get up and walk as much and as far as you can. I was uncomfortable untill I got my second drain out. After I got that out I felt like a new person. I still get tierd easy but, it gets easier.

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

The Hospital Is about an hour from my house. I didn't really affect my aftercare.

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.

After surgery I could eat jello, protein, soup, pudding, not really much else. I have slowly made my way to solid foods but my stomach will not tolarate steak. I also have to make sure I take my time and chew my food relly fine before I swallow. I still fight to get my protien in.

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

finstone Vitamin Vit b12 by mouth and shots iron pills pepcid

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 worst thing was learning what foods you can handle and what will make you sick. Eventually you learn what you can handle and don;t get sick.

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

The worst part was probably the day after surgery when they thought I had a blood clot. After several test they ruled that out.

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

The only thing I have done is talk to people locally who have had this procedure done. Also on the internet at obesityhelp.com.

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

My scar is aprox 5 in long. It is starting to fade a little. COCO Butter helps this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit a couple small plateaus you just have to work a little harder.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some people are a lot nicer. Most people still treat me the same.