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

I first heard about the surgery from a local TV commercial.

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

Actually my experience with getting approved was easy. I was approved with my first letter.

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

My first visit was different because my surgeon was so laid back. That was my forst time meeting a doctor that was down to earth.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After my sister had the surgery and seeing her results I said to myself, ya know I t hink its time for that change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I dicsussed them with my sister. At first I was considering the Lap-Band but after talking to my sister and surgeon it was in my best interest due to my weight to go with the bariatric surgery for better results.

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?

Actually I had none because I knew that God was my surgeon!

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 family was supportive 100%.

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 100% supportive even though I had the surgery after only working for the company for 2 months.

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

My stay was a breeze. It was comfortable.

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

None at all. Just remember SUGAR FREE. Stay away from SUGAR!!!

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 excited ans anxious! I continued to educate and prepare myself for the surgery so that my recovery would be easy and expected, just as it was.

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

My first few weeks were difficult because I couldnt eat any meat. It was a really test of my strength but I got through it. I dranked my liquids seperately from my family to avoid the temptation of their solid foods.

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

Approx 18 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.

Well when I was able to tolerate solids I realized I was also able to tolerate sugar. There really wasnt much I couldnt eat. Everything was a trial so I tested with caution. I can no longer eat these blazing hot wings that can be bought from Wal-Mart. I no longer like the taste of hamburger meat but I can eat ground meat that I cook...lol. I don't eat much bread and potatoes. If I eat pasta I choose angel hair pasta because is not as thick. Foods I've eaten are steak, pasta, salad, chicken, pork, beef, seafood, little bread and my favorite sushi.

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

I was active after surgery! Although my husband made sure I would do too much.

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

I'm currently taken Womens One A Day, Super B-Complex for Energy, Biotin for hair skin and nails and protein 50mg p/day.

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 dumping was different. I got tired of seeing the bathroom. It only lasted for two weeks.

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

I would have to say the worst part was the two weeks after surgery. I call it Hell Week because its the true adjustment! But I survived.

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

I had my family and my sister, which was very supportive.

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

My scars were minimal. Actually they still are and were less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I stayed at 253lbs for about three weeks. In that time I just monitored my food intake and drank more protein. Then I was fine. Although my sister had a plateau for a while and she was suggested by the nurse to go on a liquid diet for a week and she should see results. So I knew if it came to that I knew what to do.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I do. I receive compliments more than normal, even receive some stares from time to time. I get a lot of you look greats and congradulations.