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

I had been studying bariatric surgery for over 10 yrs. My first impression was "wow...that's a drastic surgery". I continued my research over the years...following the improvements on the surgery...and finally got to the point where I felt I could trust it to do what I needed it to do.

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

The only advise I have is to follow the insurance curriculum. If they mandate the pre-op meetings...go to them. You will get approved quicker if you do what they ask.

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

My first visit with Dr Cole was very relaxed. He is a wonderful doctor and surgeon. He was very thorough with his explanations and expectations about the surgery and how he expected me to go through it. People can get the most out of that first meeting by having a list of questions ready for the surgeon so you can have them all answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided to have surgery 5 years ago but the doctor and hospital that I tried to go through put me through hoops. They finally discharged me stating I was non compliant with their rules and regulations when I had done everything they asked...including seeing a psychologist for over a year waiting for a surgery date. They finally told me they had called me and I had declined it. I never received that phone call...or I would have had it done and been at my goal weight by now!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided which surgery would benefit me most.

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 have a strong spiritual belief and relationship with my Father in Heaven so I knew going in that I was in His hands. I would tell others that if it's time for you to go home...nothing will stop it but have faith in your surgeon...he knows what he's doing.

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?

Before surgery my family was very supportive. After surgery was a different thing. They gave me a lot stress this past month. I think it's because I can no longer eat like I used to so my mom thinks she's wasting food now...I'm no longer the garbage disposal.

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

I'm disabled already from a heart attack and the fibromyalgia so I'm taking my time recuperating.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. It was a somewhat pleasant experience...not a lot of rest though...lol. The nurses were great. They were very encouraging to get up and around and even though I didn't believe them I did feel better after I was up and walking. They kept a very close eye on me as I was a diabetic and hypertensive patient so they kept coming in and doing those tests. They were also very good at managing my pain.

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

I had no complications from the surgery.

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

My surgery date had changed after I got the first one. I was happy with the first date which was Sept 21st. Then I got the call for the new date...which was 3 days earlier. I was ecstatic that I got bumped up. I didn't have any anxiety except to just get it over with.

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

What can I say...drink, drink, drink!!! It was somewhat painful physically...especially getting up and down. I was opened up from my breastbone to my belly button so it was an experience. The most pain came mentally when my family would eat in front of me. No mercy I tell you!! Just expect to get real tired of clear and full liquids...it's worth it in the end.

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

My doctor is an hour and 15 minutes away from me. Fifty-five miles one way. It didn't affect my aftercare because it hadn't snowed yet...lol. Now my 4 month check up in January may prove difficult to get to...we'll see if the weather cooperates.

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.

Once I was on regular food...I wanted to try everything...DON'T DO IT!!! Go very slow and try one thing at a time. It takes a while for the pouch to get used to actually having food in it. I had to rotate between the food and full liquids (I still do)...for me now 10 weeks post op I'm still having trouble with beef and some chicken. Fish tends to go through pretty good. I'm waiting for a little while longer before I try salads...I can't wait. I miss my salads!

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

I started walking immediately. I go to the WalMart Superstore and walk the perimeter and then up and down the isles. It's good because they have places to sit when you get real tired. And you can look at the deals they have going on. My energy level has definitely increased and now that winter's hit...I can't wait until spring so I can go out and really walk out in the fresh air.

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

I'm taking Flintstones Complete Vitamin and Citrical Petites.

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 haven't had any dumping. The nausea I really haven't dealt with much. But let tell you...if you eat something your pouch doesn't agree with it WILL let you know...immediately! The hair loss has been pretty much minimal so far.

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

The worst part is getting used to the extremely small portions you're allowed to eat. I swear I don't know how anyone could stretch their pouch out...I know quickly when I'm full...which is a first for me. But..at times I miss the amounts I used to eat. I'm thankful for the portions I can eat and it can only get better from here.

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

I feel that group is very important even though I haven't been able to make it since my surgery. While I was going it was wonderful seeing the people there sharing their stories and their recipes! Some had some wonderful suggestions on how to get through the difficult times.

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

My scar is very long. My surgery was open due to my health history. It is what I expected...what I DIDN'T expect was the pain that I still have at that site (upper end) and at the top drain site. There are days when it totally kills me...but I suppose that's to be expected only 10 weeks post op. Also it appears to have widened somewhat at the top...getting some cocoa butter for that to see if it will shrink back.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only had one plateau since surgery and it only lasted 4 days...I don't know what happened or why it happened...but after those 4 days I dropped like 6 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People who know me say I look fabulous. They want to know what I've done...they know I've lost weight...just not how. But I don't hide how I'm losing it. I'm proud of myself for making the choice I did.