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

When I started researching and hearing a lot about it on TV, I thought, I need that. I know that will work. I wonder how I can have this surgery. I also know that the more I read and the more pictures I had seen of others that had this performed, the more excited I became.

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

None, My insurance had an exclusion from the policy. I would suggest finding someone to finance it for you or taking a loan.

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

I did not have a first visit with my surgeon before surgery. Because I chose to have it done in Bogota, Columbia, well all my research was done on computer, Dr. Silva would respond to emails, I could chat with him at times on the websight: www.affordablebariatrics.com and then he would call me if I needed anything. I corresponded with this physician daily and when I did meet him, I felt as though he was someone I knew all my life. I was comfortable with him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

What made me decide to have this surgery was that my husband recieved a settlement and he agreed to pay for my surgery if I bought him a brand new pickup truck. So, I did just that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have Laproscopic RNY done. I forgot which procedure it is but it is the one where they leave the intestines a bit longer. Some surgeons leave them short. Each surgeon has his/her preference.

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?

My fears of the surgery are this: I could die in a car wreck today. Every surgery has risks and or deaths. I felt like if I did not have this surgery I would either wind up with Cancer, Heart-Problems, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and bound to a wheel chair. My advice is to do the research on all physicians, check credentials, ask for referrals (if they are not available then I would not choose that physician), keep in contact with everyone that has had the surgery on where you may choose and read posts on other bariatric patients because that is very knowledgeable along with asking questions yourself.

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?

When I told my mother about where I was having this surgery done, she completely freaked out. She was scared, nervous and all she could tell me is all the bad things because someone told her about the bad things and she knew someone that didn't have good success. My co-workers were very careing, loving and compassionate. If I could do something differently, I would have never told my mother. She told her mom, My Granny told her best-friend, the best-friend told her daughter-in-law, the daughter-in-law spoke with my mom and told her a bad story about her sister and then my mother had me call this woman and the woman begged me not to do this and blah-blah-blah. My coworkers and my Mother-in-Law are such strong supporters. Granted nobody agreed with me going into another country to do this, they all were happy and very glad to see me. I am 8 days post op and I went to turn in my excuse for another week and was told by everyone that I looked really good.

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

My supervisor understood. She then told the manager I was having surgery and where at but the manager was scared for me. I had planned on returning to work on April 27th once I got home and thanks to my Supervisor she spoke to the manager and told her I needed the rest of that week off and to rest up. Besides, she was afraid there would be delays in me getting back to the United States. I was out of work for 2 weeks total. Even though I had no pain, my surgeon laid me off an additional week so I returned on May 1, 2006.

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

My stay in the hospital (clinic) was very nice. I could not have asked for better care. These physicians take pride in what they do and they love knowing more about you. What it is like where you live, kids, family, etc. I flew out on April 18, 2006, did all my pre-op on April 19, 2006 and had surgery on April 20, 2006. I had a severe migraine while I was there too. Not sure if it is from your body detoxifying from everything you have put into it and then maybe in shock due to you not having it anymore. The most important things I found to bring was my body sprays, toiletries, fresh, loose clothing in cotton, slide on shoes and pictures of your family. Make sure if you are overseas you purchase a few phone cards.

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

I have been very blessed that there have been no complications. God really has taken care of me. Also, everyone's prayers helped.

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

As time approached, I could not believe it was really going to happen. Even when my husband and I flew out I thought, is this real? I was so over whelmed with anxiety that it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

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

I had a ton of energy. No Pain. My husband was telling me to sit down and relax. I wanted to run every where. I immediatley noticed that the sweet cravings were gone. No more. I did laundry, unpacked and visited people.

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

I flew into Bogota, COlumbia. I live in Belcher, Louisiana and was given an after care on who I should follow up in the states with in reguards to a Bariatric Physician. My PCP agreed to take this care on way before I left. He has supported me 100% and I am thankful to have him and his staff.

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 would have nausea when I first awoke in the morning time. The only thing I could do to relieve it was to get a glass of cold water and recline in the recliner and have peace and quiet. I couldn't eat anything greasy or I hurt. My stomach would cramp up and I would get the foamies I read about people talking about on here. As the saying goes, Time heals all wounds and this is happening daily for me.

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

My activity level increased dramatically. I noticed an immediate surge of energy. It wasn't until later on that I started feeling run down and tired.

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

I take a Calcium pill, Vitamins and a fiber pill daily. The fiber helps keep me regular and where I am not constipated.

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?

Luckily, I really have not had many problems. The nausea still happens occasionally if I don't get enough sleep and am up too early or if I do not start drinking water when I wake up. My hair loss is slowing down. I hated that because I would stop up the shower due to it falling out. I notice that the top of my head is extremely tender now.

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

I can't complain about anything. The only uncomfortable part was the drain tube because I felt like I could not breathe and I had sharp pains in my chest. I felt like someone had punched the mess out of my left chest area and it was sore to move, lay, stand, etc. Could not have any relief. But, once it was removed I felt 100% better.

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

The support group I follow up with in Shreveport is only 1 time per month and it is on the 3rd Thursday. I find it a bit inconvenient at times due to the hours I am working and what we have going on with the kids school, homework, etc. Obesity Help has been my shining armour though. Without the love and support here I am totally lost. I found this web sight before having surgery. Lots of caring people here.

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

I am not sure what I really expected. I know I have several small incisions. It really intrigued my kids. They were worried about what they looked like, if I felt anything, did it hurt, why do I have the incisions covered, and many, many more questions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit one in my fourth & fifth month. Had to increase my fluid intake.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I notice my attitude is a lot more verbal though.