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

I heard of bariatric surgery about 20 years ago. And up until about 2 years ago I thought to myself, "I" would NEVER do something like that to my body. God made us who we are and we shouldn't mess with that gift. But, I've come to the realization that God gave me access to wonderful and talented doctors who can perform this fantastic surgery and I should be grateful for the opportunity.

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

I really didn't have much trouble. They only required a nutritional and a psychological evaluation before approval. Everything went smoohly. I would advise to follow up though, just to make sure all the paperwork is submitted and received.

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

Dr Frye was very, very informative. We viewed videos, received info, had our individual consultation with the doctor. Ask LOTS of questions. Make sure you're satisfied with the answers or at least make sure they can find out for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am diabetic. I have numbness in both my feet and I can't stand the idea of dying from this! My hips hurt if I stand too long, feet always hurt, not wanting to do anything anymore is a big one too. Just all the common reasons most obese people have. My biggest reason is my son, he's 14 and I want to be here for him.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The one with the most and 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?

My fears came and went. One day I'd be afraid of leaving my family. The next day would be what if I can't do the diet afterwards. I'm still only 3 days post op at this moment, so there aren't any visible results, but I'm hoping once those show up I will feel even better about this decision. I do notice today I have energy. Not that much, but better each day. I would say to preops this is a life changing decision, not to be made lightheartedly. I'm sure we all know that part, but if you've come this far, there's a reason.

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?

There were different reactions from different people. My husband has always been behind me 100%, my mother was at first very happy for me, then she started talking to other people and wasn't so sure anymore. Eventually she came around and knew I was making the best decision for myself and for my family. At this moment I'm only 3 days post op, but so far my husband is reminding me of do's and don't's and is there whenever I need him.

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

She was supportive and agreed I should take the necessary time off. I've been approved for a little over 2 weeks off. I still have over a week of sick time coming if needed and my supervisor stated if I needed it, it's there.

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

My hospital stay was wonderful. I was at the Fresno Surgery Center in Fresno, CA. Was there for 3 days. Everything was supplied for me, even though I did bring some personal items. It was almost like a hotel room. The staff was absolutely wonderful, anytime I needed something there was no waiting. All very friendly and supportive.

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

None as of yet. (I am 4 weeks postop)Well,,,,yes I did. Six weeks out I went into emergency surgery for an internal hernia. That was 2 weeks ago now. I don't want to scare anyone because I've gone into this whole journey with my eyes wide open and knowing the risks. I am hoping that in a year I will be able to say it's all been worth it. I think I'm still in the coping process so it's difficult to say. But I am trying to look on the bright side of things. Keeping in mind I made it through and I am healing.

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 nervous, scared, worried, anxious. I dealt with it day to day. Mostly I talked out my fears with friends and family, and visited this site everyday.

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

My experience has been wonderful! I've followed doctor's orders and kept up the walking and I feel great. 1 month out and aprx 20 lb loss. I took 2 weeks off of work and just focused on me. I've been blessed, no nausea, vomitting or pain.

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

I was lucky, live in the same town.

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, so far at 1 month out, I've been very lucky and haven't found anything that hasn't agreed w/me yet. I even had a little bit of milk the other day and all was fine! Things may change later.

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

First week very little. Only exercise was 1 mile a day til about the fifth day home, got up to 2 miles a day.

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

At 2 weeks post op taking 16 oz of protein drink and 4 Flintstones chewable vitamins.

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?

None as of yet. 1 month post op

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

I don't attend the support group meetings, but I have a wonderful husband that backs me up 100%. Without that, it would be much harder. Those temptations are easier to stay away from knowing he understands what I'm going through.

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

Well, I had 7 small incisions w/my WLS, but 6 weeks later I went in for emergency surgery for an internal hernia. Which left me w/a 9 inch scar, breastbone to bellybutton. Not very attractive, but I'm alive.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to have been on a plateau since the beginning. Weight loss is very, very slow for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I notice people saying hello, being more friendly. I suppose it could be me looking at things differently too.