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

I knew people who had gotten the surgery. At first I thought, I'm not doing that, I'll just diet. When that didn't work, I said well maybe. Then one day I was at my girl friends house for dinner and I sat in her chair and it broke. I was mortified. That is when I decided to have the surgery.

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

No problems, just takes so long to find out if you are approved. You just have to be patient.

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

It was great and that made me excited.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized with my health going down, my embarrassment of how I looked and the fact that I was tired of being fat made me decide. I felt no matter what, I am going to be brave and do this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just knew that is what I wanted.

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 wasn't really afraid of the complications or death because I knew it was going to be fine. I put my life in the Lord's hands. I kept positive thoughts throughout the process. I was a little nervous when I went into the OR before I was put out but the nurses calmed me down. Advice is just keep positive thoughts and know you aren't going to die or have any complications. Put your life in the Lord's hands and you will be fine.

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?

Negatively especially my husband and son. But I still stuck by my decision. My friends and family have been great. Everybody helps me. I have 2 friends that don't talk to me any more. I guess they are jealous or something.

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

I'm a teacher, I didn't tell my principal. I told my friends and my assistant principal. Some where happy and some told me stories about people they knew who died. I am still out because I got a sight wound infection and it took me longer to heal. Now I am fine. So far 3 months out of work.

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 12 days because I had a sight wound infection. The hospital stay was fine. Everybody was nice and helpful. You should bring a walkman, or IPOD, with batteries or re-chargers, cell phone, a good book to read, maybe a puzzle. something to do because it gets boring. Also bring a robe because they make you walk around. Also bring so cleansing wipes for going to the bathroom for #2. It is hard to wipe at first and the wipes help a lot.

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

I had a site wound infection that made me have fevers and I was very sick. I cried a lot of the time because I sighed my self up to thinking everything was going to go perfectly and there was one setback and I was disappointed.

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 so happy and elated about the date and the upcoming event. I felt like I am not going to be fat anymore. The only anxiety I had was waiting for the upcoming date. I didn't do anything about the coping because I knew I just had to wait. I did stay on the computer a lot and eat alot.

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

Well I had nurses coming everyday because I had to have my site wound cleaned and packed. Other than that, I felt like I was sick and a little confused about what to eat and afraid I would eat too much or dump. It is a challenge when you first come home. You need someone who has had the surgery to talk to about how you feel, ask questions, and vent about how you feel.

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

Just about 7 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.

I couldn't and still can't eat a chicken wing, any fish, eggs. I can eat soup, yogurt, pudding, chili. cereal, mashed potatoes, Sometimes I can eat something and the next day it makes me nauseous. Cold water hurts in the beginning then it gets better. I just can't tolerate those protein shakes, "ew" I eat a lot of food with protein to counteract it. I also eat 2 tbsp of peanut butter each day. I love peanut butter. I haven't eaten any sugar. Everything I eat has splenda or no more than 5 grams of sugar.

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

I did nothing. I was so lazy and afraid to walk. Now after 2 months, I workout at the fitness center. I hired a personal trainer.

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

I take multivitamin, B12 pill that goes under your tongue, iron, calcium citrate. I take Citrical because I don't like chewable anything.

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?

nausea and vomiting. I still have vomiting. I am coping better because I know what not to eat.

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

The site wound infection. Everything else was a cinch. The incisions didn't really hurt that bad if you have a laporoscopy.

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

We have support group once a month. We also can call the nurse coordinator whenever we want to ask a question. It is helpful to a certain degree. I think having someone who has had the surgery paired with you helps more.

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

My scars are fine but they are queloid. It really isn't any big deal. I know I won't be able to wear a bikini ( if I get that small). A one piece is fine though.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are proud of me for having the surgery. Taking control of my health and my life.