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

Many moons ago. Probably close to 20 to 30 years. I heard about stomachs being stapled to help morbidly obese people to have a normal life. Strange that I always thought this surgery was for old folks and that I would never be a candidate for this procedure. Crazy how time changes things.

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

My doctor's office took care of all of my paperwork. Afterall, I paid them so they did their job. After doing my research, I decided that my doctor should be the person to take care of speaking with my insurance. All I did was call my insurance company before meeting with my surgeon to see if they offered the procedure. After getting the initial go ahead from my health insurer, that is when I called the doctors office for an appointment.

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

First time ,with surgeon was not one on one, it was with a large group open to the public session. I was impressed on his knowledge and the confidence he had. One on one he seemed like a sales person that knew what I needed. He had his charts and answered all of my questions. He was okay, I felt I could trust my life in his hands for this procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My knees and other health issues. I could hardly walk without having to sit down. I was too young to not be able to live my life. Also the fact that my insurance covered the procedure. My father was the size of Jackie Gleason, from the Honeymooners, he had quite a few medical issues from his weight. Many in my immediate family were obese and had health issues. I knew if I did not stop the cycle soon, I would be next. My father died at a very young age and I did not want to follow in his footsteps.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

First I liked the idea of the lapband, but after the Dr. showed the whole group what the lap band looked like, he had us pass it around the room. I thought I do not want anything alien inside my body. I thought something would go wrong with that piece of plastic. Also, the fact that the Dr. said that he was very familiar with the lap RYN and encouraged all of us to go that route if possible. I thought if he is the surgeon and he knows this much about the procedure, he was the one that would help me with my decision to do the LAP RYN.

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?

Mostly, the fear of having to take blood. But I discuss that first up front with the Dr. He stated that he did surgery on quite a few Jehovah's Witnesses and did not feel that would be an issue. But he was very direct when he ask me, would you be willing to die before getting blood, and my answer was, absolutely, I would die first. That was that, I knew he understood my stand on no blood.

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?

Never told my family, only husband and son, and a select number of friends. My husband was worried for my life and was very concern. Now after the surgery he is okay, but still questioning me.

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

Never told my employer about the WLS, just told them that I was having major surgery. So far out of work 2 weeks. Will know more next week. I went back to work half days, worked Monday and was sick on Tuesday. Feel like I had a mack truck run over me.

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

St Luke West a nice hospital for bariatric surgery, but not for any other type of surgery. I had the worst neighbor across the hall, that screamed out in pain all night. None of the nurses would help her. I will not be back. Most important thing to bring, robe and slippers, and your cell phone. I could not reach the hospital's phone, so I kept my cell close by.

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

No complications from the surgery. All went well.

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

Tired, tired, tired and my stomach hurt on my left side from where the lap RYN was done. I just relied on Jehovah God to help me get thru the pain. I went back to work to soon, after only 2 weeks. I worked one day and then came back the following week, and then was terminated.

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

I could not sleep. I still can not sleep until 2 a.m. in the morning. The Dr. said it is normal. I dont see how this could be so. I was told to walk, but it was so hard just to stand up for a short period of time. You are definitely not hungry, it is hard to get all of your liquids in, but I was not worried, I ate what I could handle.

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

I only live about 8 to 10 miles from the hospital, where the procedure was performed.

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 ate nothing but liquids for the first 14 days. All went down without a problem. I am not going to eat any sugar or sugar items. Sugar got me into the mess and I will not go back to that same old way of life. I know my weaknesses and I am determined to conquer at least this one.

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

The first two weeks it was a real struggle just to go to the bathroom, but I was told to walk and get outside, the truth of the matter is, I could not.

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

Flintstone vitamins 3 times a day. Plus 69 grams of Protein.

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?

Sleep deprived. I can not go to sleep unitl 2 a.m. and then I cant seem to stay asleep. Sometimes when I eat I get to feeling queasy, but have not dumped as yet.

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

Thinking that I did the wrong thing. Why did do this to myself? Maybe I was okay and thinking I could have lost the weight some other manner instead of going through this drastic major surgery. Dr. told me this thought process was normal. I think I was too selfish and now I feel guilty for having this procedure. Now I got this huge hospital bill and I feel very bad, for spending all of this money on myself.

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

I went to one support group, not very supported so I decided not to attend any others.

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

Scar is what a scar is, doesnt matter, it is my badge of who I am. It is part of me and I wear it proudly.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This happens at least once a month, I gain weight, I lose weight, it is slow but sure. Not really concerned, I had the surgery and I follow the plan.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I really think that people go out of their way not to say anything to me. I hardly see a difference, but then I have been fat for so long, does it matter, what others think now??