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

My first reaction to this surgery wasnt good. My younger sister had it done 2 yrs prior to me. I thought she had lost it. Told her she was crazy. But she studied everything there was. She went from 500 lbs to 240. I was amazed. Then 6 months later my other sister had it done...Results were amazing. That was my turning point and my mothers. Now all 4 of us have had it done. Im so happy we did.

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

I had gone in to see Dr Coates and I honestly didnt think i would get approval so soon. I saw him in November of 2002 and what happened my file was put on the shelf. My mom went in and she was approved right away and I still hadnt heard a thing. I finally called and was told what had happened, and got the ball rolling again. I was approved withing days. My advice is dont leave it all to them get on the ball.

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

Best thing is make a list of things you want to know. Question you may have. Be sure to take it with you so you dont forget. I had mad a list and was so excited I forgot it. I had all kinds of questions and couldnt remember any of them. My first reaction was.....I was scared this was going to be my turning point and NOW I have no regrets.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Final breaking point.....was goin to one of my girls games and taking a chair with me and breaking it when I sat down. I was so embarrassed. The walk to the field was a long walk and I was exhausted. Also saw that nothing I had fit me anymore. Even my work shirts I had to wear a shirt under them so I could just put them over. So I always wore 2 shirts. Now I wear my work shirts and they are so big on me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That decision the Doctor made. He was hoping to be able to do laproscopic and Im glad he did.

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 scared I wouldnt make it from the surgery. But with any surgery there is always that risk. But more so because Im a single parent and I was thinking about my girls. WHen goin in just put yourself in GOD'S hands. Thats about all u can do...and have faith in your Doctor.

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 families reaction was great, since everyone of the females in my family had already had the surgery. My kids was a different story. My girls thought I was crazy. But after explaining to them that I wanted to be around to enjoy their games and see them get old they realized that this was probably the better choice for us all. They always made sure I had what I needed.

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

My employer was excited that i was getting it done, but my manager was a different story. She wasnt supportive. When customers found out about it they would ask her and she had nothing good to say. My Boss told me one other lady at his place had had the surgery and she looked great. He was excited and glad I had made this choice. Only problem I had was one of my incesions opened up and was causing me some pain so I was off for 2 months. My work consist of lifting heavy objects.

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

The staff at the hospital were very good, No Complaints from me. I was in for 4 days could have stay 1 more day but I knew my girls needed me. The clothes you wear when you get out, make sure they are loose fitting clothes.

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

Only problem I had was the 1 incesion that opened up. My mother had a heart attack 2 days after i was released from the hospital and thats when it happened. So I ended up right back into the hospital and was bandaged up and sent home....was told to get some rest.

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

I was ecited and scared. Excite becuase I was finally getting it done and scared because I didnt know if all was going to be ok. I did alot of talking to my sister and she made me realize things would be ok. Having the support form my family made things easier for me.

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

My first weeks home from the hospital were not the easiest. Even tho I was just released from the hospital, I had to make sure my kids got home from school. So that ment I had to start picking them up from school or taking them to games. That was the hardest thing for me. No time for rest. Make sure you have a back up plan some one to do the things you cant do like the running around. This is the time you need lots of rest.

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

Lucky for me it wasnt far, would have to say about 30 minutes to the hospital. Plus the Doctor's office is here in town.

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.

Seemed everything I ate hurt my new stomach. Even drinking water hurts. Anything and everything I ate caused pain and was constantly in the bathroom. Small portions of jello made me sick beans or eggs made me sick. Not much I could eat. Even now everything I eat hurts and I am almost 5 months out. There are days I do forget to eat. But remember to get something like a salad.

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

After surgery I was taking walks doing water arobics. But now that I'm back at work I have no time. But I'm always on the go at work. No time to sit and daydream.

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

I am taking Centrum, Calcium and B-12

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?

Nausia was my biggest problem vomiting was awful but learned I cant eat as much. Had to learn when to say thats it. Now the hair loss its getting worst.I have thin hair and its falling out in bunches.

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

The pain... not being able to do the normal things at first. But it does get better.

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

It has been hard for me to attend a support group or meeting due to my work schedule. But I'm still trying to get to one. Hopefully soon.

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

My incesions are very clean cut. I got the laproscopic so they dont look bad. The one that opened on me is the one that looks the best. I had 6 small incesions all around my gall bladder surgery. You cant even tell.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am almost 5 months out and I dont seem to be loosing any weight. That is the most frustrating time for me. But I do see the inches coming off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I sure do!! and what a difference. I work with the public so people see me all the time. I've had customers come and do double takes because they dont recognize me. THey arent sure if its a new girl or just plain ol me. I get asked alot of questions and of course I recommend it. Was the best choice for me!!