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

I found out about bariatric surgery when the comedian/actress "Rosann Barr" had it performed. But at the time I thought it was for only the rich and famous. Throughout the years this operation became much more available for anyone who had an insurance that would cover it and a doctor who would refer you. My initial impression of this operation was my concern of death. I was terribly concerned with the chances of surviving this procedure. But with enough research done on this operation and with the new and advanced techniques and divisions of this operation, there became several types of surgeries to choose from. I have research all the different types of this surgery and also have researched and compared the percentage of deaths verses survival rates. Consequently, the survival rates out performs the death rates by a huge margin.

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

My insurance is United Health Care/PPO. I received approval in less than a month. I was persistant and called my insurance every other day until I received a verbal approval over the phone. Once you visit with your doctor and agree to have this operation, it is important for you to be aggressive and call the insurance until they give you verbal approval. Also, be on top of your nurse at the doctors office, this is the person who is in charge of calling you with your surgery date and your approval from your insurance. Yea!!! Don't sit back and wait for your insurance to call you, be aggressive and call your insurance and find out all the information necessary.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What made me finally have the procedure was my knee problem. I have arthritis on both and I knew with weight loss it would help the pressure on my knees tremendously. And it is. Thanks be to God.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I wanted Liproscopic surgery because of several reason: 1- they do not cut me open. 2- recovery is a much shorter period 3- and it is considered the "gold card" of gastric stapling today. It is a better procedure.

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?

Most importantly, to begin with everyone should have done an enormous amount of research about the Gasric Stapling operation. This operation along with many others requires a fully informed mind to understand the procedure and obviously see if this sort of procedure is right for you. I also believe that anyone considering an operation always has fears and thinks about many "what ifs". But when we research carefully and extensively on any topic or subject, we will be much more prepared, which will help us for anything we may be considering in life.

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 say that my husband is so happy for me. He has wanted me to do this operation a year ago. He loves to see me happy and he knows as I lose more and more I will be happier. My children were skeptical, but now that the surgery is over, they support me greatly.

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

I operate two businesses from home. So I was blessed to not have a boss or anyone over me to supervise my work actions.

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

I arrived on June 18th, Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. for surgery, went directly to sign all forms, was taken upstairs to pre-op, operation was at 9:30, I woke up in recovery at 1:30 p.m. and feeling very well. I was in my own room by 2:30 p.m. and I went home the next day, June 19th at 1:20 p.m. The most important thing to bring is a positive mind and a spirit filled with the lord and all of your insurance cards. A hint of advice: go into the hospital weeks ahead of time and go to the front desk and ask to fill out all the forms, to avoid having to do it the day of your operation.

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

I do thank God that I have had no complications up to the date. And today is June 12, 2002.

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

Today is three days after the surgery and I do feel wonderful. I can't lie and tell you this new me does not feel different, because it does, but I know it is a great decision.

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

I am three days home from the hospital and I feel wonderful. And I do give thanks to my God.

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

My surgery took place in my local hospital. So I was very fortunate.

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.

My first week, which is phase 1 consisted of liquids: jello, broth, water, crystal light and my vanilla protein shake. And this diet will continue for the next week.

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

I do find that my energy level has increased in these three days after my surgery. I am walking and keeping busy around the home. I will not lift heavy items or do hard labor at home for a while. But it is important to walk often to prevent blood clots.

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

I have taken vitamins all of my life, so I am basically continuing my one a day multi- vitamins (3 times a day), sublingual b-12(twice a week), and Tums (calcium-1000mg a day)

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 had no side effects. And I am 2 months post op.

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

I am three days home from my surgery and up to the date there has not been a bad day for me.

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

My only and main support group are attending the ones sceduled every second Tuesday and my local hospital and WLS.

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

My scar is almost completely faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been in and out of plateaus. Which is ok. It will happen occasionally.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

What I notice is how different I am toward people. I feel more confident.