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

I heard about the bariatric surgery through a friend at church. I was quite unsure about the procedure and if it could actually work for me.

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

Actually it was a God thing getting the insurance approval. It was right after we entered into War with Afganistan, the surgeons were leaving and the military had to outsource. Well it was like only opened for a 2 week period that they did this and I happen to be lucky enough to call and find out it was happening. I had my eggs all in the basket at the right time and it went through without a snap.

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

I loved my surgeon on our first visit. He was very honest and very informative. I went into the first visit though well prepared myself with knowledge of the surgery. I think that is one way to let the doctor know your serious about the surgery and ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Prayer and support completely from my family but mostly my husband is what really pushed me to make the decision. I knew with them all behind me I was ready. My husband was the best.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I ended up having my surgery open. It was due to my weight and mostly because I felt more secure that way knowing my surgeon had done this procedure for over 14 yrs rather than 2 yrs of lap. Also after learning that if there were problems with the lap they would have to open me after the surgery to fix them, I choose open. He could check it all at one time, know it was fine and then close me.

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 believe that when its your time its your time, no matter where you are or what your doing its your time to go. I just stood on faith that what ever happened would be God's best choice for my 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?

My mom and sisters were concerned, they asked tons of questions. The best thing I did for them was send them websites to review for themselves. They supported me even though they feared. My husband was the best, beside me every step through and even after for 8 weeks while I healed. The first 2 weeks, helping me wipe, wash, eat, stand, lay down...he did it all. Even learned how to clean and pack my wounds. He's the MAN !

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

I worked part time at a school, I was out of work for 6 weeks. They were completely supportive of my decision.

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

I enjoyed the hospital stay during the day and early evening shift. The staff was wonderful. The third shift was a bit to be desired. No personality or support from them, they dont carry any feelings for others around that's for sure. I was there for 5 days. Slippers and something comfy and big to sleep in. I brought books, never looked at them or wanted to.

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

Well, I had two open wounds from surgery. My husband had to learn to pack and clean them daily. We had a nurse come to the house twice a week for the first couple of weeks and then once a week for the next 4. She was wonderful.

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 excited and counting down. Until the day before then I started to 2nd guess myself. My friend and my husband said no way girl you've come this far your going all the way.

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

Oh life for the first 4 weeks, were hell. I was so miserable. I couldnt stand sitting still always needing help. Nothing satisfied me for long, I had cravings change min by min like being pregnant. I drove my husband nuts. It was difficult, I had a few friends come by that had previously had surgery. They came with their solutions for what worked for them... Some worked some didnt... We are definitely each different. It takes time and patience but it all works out.

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

3 miles

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.

Things in the beginning I believe changed daily. Some days I could some days I couldnt. My favorite thing was baked potato chunks, refried beans and sour cream. Oh ya, watermelon. NO MILK.... i am definitely lactose intolerant, talk about pain in the beginning... Oh my.. Now I can tolerate it but talk about Gas... Yucky ! Its been a year now and I'm still adjusting and learning foods, and its still changing for me.

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

The first 2 weeks almost no activity at all. After that slowly I moved from the couch to the steps outside. Then I was walking up to 2 houses away, then to the stop sign, then around the corner, then the block. Slowly I walked... by 6 weeks I was almost 100 % then by 8 weeks I was there.

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

Multivitamin from One a day... B12 disovlable tablets....

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 didnt had lots of side effects. In the first few weeks probably sleeping was the worse just to get comfortable.

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

The first 4 weeks after surgery.

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

I wish I had one, but I dont have any. We moved within 3 months after surgery to Oklahoma. I have had friends to talk with, but I defintely would love to have more. This is very important.

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

I have like a zipper down my tummy. I dont mind at all. Reminds me of where I was once ago and where I'll never go again.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit them, just try and remember they dont last. Exercise routinely and watch your eating it will catch up I promise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. I notice the change in me, I am much more self confident and have a much better self image. Which I believe makes the difference in my life with others.