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

My husband had the surgery and from there I started researching it for myself. My first thought was well that would be great to have that surgery but I'll never get up enough courage to do it myself.

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

I am (was) a diabetic so therefore my insurance approved it promptly.

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

My first visit with my surgeon went very well. He explained everything in detail and outlined all the risks involved.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had to make a choice between being obese the rest of my life with the risks of diabetes complications or the surgery. I chose surgery and I am so glad I did!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The rny is the very best surgery and to have been able to find a doctor in my area and on my insurance that does it lap was outstanding!

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 had every fear imaginable. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to eat anything after surgery. My belief in God is what helped me with my decision. I knew that I would be alright one way or the other, but that I could not go on living with the weight.

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 very concerned about the risks involved with the surgery. I started "feeding" it to them a little at a time and when the time came to have the surgery they were all very supportive. I think the real turnaround came when my family was all gathered together after my aunt had passed away. I walked outside and started crying and my sister asked me what was wrong and I told her that "i feel like I'm taking up too much room in there." At that point she told me whatever decision I made she would stick by me no matter what.

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 very supportive. I told them I was having the surgery to make myself "feel" better. It seems like the heavier I got the less I could think. I had a lot of problems with doing my work because I just felt so bad all the time. And I was only out for two weeks so that made it easier on everyone at work.

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

The worst part for me was the ng tube, but I made it through it. The hospital I was in was great! I went in on Tuesday at 6:00 am and left on Thursday around noon. My husband stayed with the whole time which was a huge help to me. My most important thing I had with me was my Bari Buddy.

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

NONE.

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 kep thinking about "the other side" part of it. I had a lot of stress going on but I dealt with it and prayed alot.

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

My first week was a little bit of a struggle being sore and I had a real hard time sleeping because I had a lot of back pain. But by the time the second week got here I was doing great! It is amazing with the lap how quickly you recover.

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

I traveled to Ocala, Fl. which was about 2 1/2 hours away. I have not any problems with the aftercare. My appts are usually scheduled at 4:00 in the afternoon. I will leave work around 1:30 and my husband and I take the ride and enjoy the time together.

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 have not had any trouble eating anything. Amazing huh? At ten weeks (which is another week) I will be able to eat anything as tolerated and I am looking forward to a salad! The only thing I have found is you have to eat very slow and chew chew chew.

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

No limit on activity. I actually couldn't believe how fast I was able to start walking the stores without giving out so quick.

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

I take two chewable multivitamins daily. I take two tums daily for calcium. I take four Veggie Iron pills a day (100 mg). I take one Biotin a day so I won't lose my hair. And I take a B12 dot once a week.

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?

No side effects. Only when I have eaten too fast I have vomited.

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

NG TUBE!!! I could not stand that thing down my nose. yuk!!

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

My doctor follows his patients for life. Outstanding!!

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

I had the lap done, so all I have is 7 little scars which includes where my tubes were. Everything is already fading.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

O.k. This is the hard part. I have hit two plateaus so far and it is not very funny. You think Oh my gosh am I going to be the one it doesn't work on. I am at a pleateau now but I know it will pass. You can't do nothing BUT lose the weight when you do what you are suppose to do.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no