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

I first heard about it a few years ago. I thought that wasn't for me, I wanted to live. Heard a lot of horror stories about it. But then, a year ago, I decided to really check it out and learn as much about it as I could. I reliezed that inorder to live, I needed to do something about my weight.

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

I had no problems getting insurance approval. I already had major medical problems from being obese.

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

My first visit I was filled all different emotions. I took family members with me and had them ask questions also. When you go for your first visit, you need to have done research on the surgery and have a list of questions that you want to ask. Be frank and upfront with your Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when my health got worse. I was told also that if I didn't lose weight, I would have to have a total knee replacement in 2 years or less. My cholesteral was getting high and I already had type 2 diabeties and thyroid disease. I wanted to live longer and be able to play with my grandchildren when they come along. I have lived both worlds. I was a size 2 when I got married 21 years ago. And, unil 2 months ago I was in a size 26-28.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right. I decide that the gastric by-pass was the best way to go for 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?

There was always the thought of dying but I figured I was dying a slow and painful death as it was. I would tell my friend, who also had the surgery a week before me, that at least I would be asleep and on the table if I went. All joking aside, I put it in the hands of the Lord. If I was meant to die, I would die rather I had the surgery or not. Once I did that, I didn't have anymore fears of dying. I would tell others to embrace the Lord and let him do the worrying for you.

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 thought that my mom and dad would be the hardest to convince that this surgery was right for me. It was just the oppisite. They were all for it. My daughter was mad at me for wanting to have the surgery. All she kept hearing was how I could die from the surgery. After surgery, I had great support from family members and friends. My parents stayed for 3 weeks after the surgery and made me walk. We walked all the time. That was the best support I or anyone could have. Having someone to walk with and make you walk rather you felt like it or not.

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

My supervisor was very supportive. I told her that I was going to have the gastric by-pass surgery. I told anyone that would listen that I was going to have the surgery. I was only out of work for 3 weeks.

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

For the most part my hospital stay was ok. Besides it took them about 17 hours to get me a new bed because mine broke. Other than that, it was great. The most important thing that I brought with me was my family. One of them stayed with me at all times and supported me and encourged me to get out of bed and walk around. That is the most important thing to do is get out of bed as soon as possible.

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

I had no complications what so ever. I didn't even have that much pain.

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

After I received my surgery date, I was excited and scared at first. I had already decided that I was dying anyway with all the weight that I was carring around and all the other health issues that I had. I decided to go down fighting! Then I decided to put everything in Gods hands and whatever happened so be it. I was ready.

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

My first few weeks home was the worst. Not pain wise or anything like that. It was having to smell all the food that the family was cooking and eating while I was still on liquid! People should expect to walk, walk, walk. I can't stress that enough.

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

I only traveled 45 minutes.

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.

Let me see if I can remember. When I fist starting eating again, mashed potatos was good. Chicken was ok as long as it was not dry. Tuna fish was good and easy to eat. Couldn't eat steak for about 6 months after surgery. Then it had to be tender. The hardest thing was to get used to not drinking with or after meals. I never realized how hard that would be. Now, I can have up to 13 grams of sugar but no more or I will dump. I can pretty much eat anything except fried foods. Cannot tolerate them at all. Which is a good thing.

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

At first, I would get tired fast. But after about 2 months after surgery, my activity level was the best it had been in years. I felt great. It was wonderful to be that active again. Could walk 5 miles and not be exhausted.

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

I take One a Day Essentials. They are a small red pill. Easy to swallow. I also take calcium.

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?

The side effect that was worse for me was hair loss and the nausia feeling I would get after eating something to dry. The hair loss, I just cut my hair short and that seemed to help. Plus, after awhile, it slowed down. I still get nauses if I eat to fast or something that is to dry. The only way to cope with that is to move around if you can or just sit still till it passes. It will pass.

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

The worst part of the process was waiting to hear from insurance company. For me anyway. I have had no really bad experiences. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. Wish I would have done it sooner.

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

I go to the support group that my doctors patients started. It is at Presybeterian Hospital. I believe everyone should go to a support group. You can get some very valuable insight.

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

I have only 4 little scars. Had mine Lap.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus. They are the worse. You feel like you have done something wrong, ate to much or anything. But, just remember that it is your body adjusting to the loss. It will start again as long as you keep doing what you are suppose to. Eat right, don't drink with meals, exercise. You sill start to lose again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A few people have. Not many.