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

All I knew in the beginning was so far away from the actual truth. I thought ohh' easy way out, extreme restriction automatic weightloss. Wow, I will finally win the fat girl lottery. I indeed was ignorant to the truth.

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

My team was (is) a well oiled machine. I had a team through a well known hospital in central Texas. They did all the pen work as far as approaching the Military insurance company. I was approved in less than a week.

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

Well because most surgeons are work alcholics, it was hard accepting that this guy that looks like he's gets no more than four hours of sleep most days was going to rearrange my insides. I was very tempted to show him my kids(pics) so that if he messed up he would know who he was affecting the most. That I was real person with a real life and kids. I was very direct with my questions in hand. I regretted the staff putting off me meeting him until two days before hand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided before I went to the first meeting. I have been in extreme dislike with my appearance for many years.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one that my insurance would cover.(gold standard)

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?

That you yourself have to make it worth it. To this day I know I all the sudden die, so could I just getting into the van and driving down the road. When times up, it's up. I'd rather live more possibility of success, than pass it up and be in deep regret.

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?

They rejected it instantly. All. I felt very alone and hurt that I didn't have more support. My own dad didn't even call to check on me on surgery day. I'm still ticked and hurt about that.

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

I don't work outside the home yet. My husband works. The kids were very understanding and helpful.

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

I was there two days. The pre-surgery set up was tight. The after care was horrible and even though I asked up to six times to get up and walk all through the night I was put off. The staff was unorganized from the communications between the bariatric team. The overworked nursing staff made it very irritating and uncomfortable at times. The transport young man was off the bat careless with my catheter tube , making it uneasy having him wheel me to my swallow test. I wouldn't refer others to Scott and White ever.

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

No complications.

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 about went crazy and then just dived in. I wrote alot on the OH site with all my uneasiness and questions.

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

Expect to not be perfect. That you have to work your tool, not fight it. Most pains are a lesson to learn from.

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

Temple, TX. is about thirteen minutes away. Speed bumped were dreadful.

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 am only a month out. Protein, drink , vitamins. Day and night. OH" and sip, sip, sip. Sugar, carbs, fruits are no no's. I have been stubborn or stupid one or the other because I keep nibbling and end up buckled over. Lean proteins, lowfat dairies recommended

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

It's been a medium level instead of high(like it should). I have been feeling jet lagged for a while now. I swim and get on my gazelle(low impact good)

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

Chewable mulitvitamin B-12 B complex Iron All everyday some twice a 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?

Nausea, alittle vomiting, aliitle dumping, once hairloss, alittle I still have all a little. I cryed and sucked it up, and then worked on how to not let it happen again.

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

OUtside support, aftercare(night ) into day care in the hospital. I would have liked and preffered my surgeon to make a point to meet with me two more times, not just one quick last minute meeting. I was a little put off by that. I also thought for 25 grand that the care would be much better. I didn't think my care was as important as getting the moola. Not as bad as a cattle caroule but close.

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

Well I have missed the last two meetings from forgetfullness and family. We are also moving out of state in two weeks. I will say aftercare is vital. I hope that when I move I will connect with a group. Online friends are important also. My dietician is great from the hospital. She's really sweet and smart , not to mention caring.

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

My scaring is going to be minimal. It's healing nicely(Probs) I use vitamin E oil on them , at times I put scarzone on them also. I think it's fine and pretty much what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been living on a plateau, for a week or so. The weight has fluxed by bowel movements(every five days or so)And then monthly cycle is trying to come also.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No . I haven't noticable lost enough weight yet. Plus I don't have close friends around here.