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

Over the past 20 years I looked into it seriously moreso for the past 5 years. I really was scared then because I heard all the bad information could die and have problems. Well over time and getting to know other bypass patients I made an educated informed decision to do it. I know several people that have had it and also best friend had it done and that also helped me make my decision.

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

At the time I had my surgery I only had medi-cal insurance the whole approval took a year to go through. I got impatient at time feeling like my chance would never come to me. What I would say is while you wait it does seem like forever but TRUST ME wholeheartedly I know that it will get here before you know it. The time waiting is partly to get yourself ready physically mentally and spiritually. I am so glad it did take that much time because I knew I was more than ready.

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

I was a little nervous he had went over my file with me and I asked some questions that I wanted to know about. What I would tell other patients is to write out questions before you see your surgeon that you want to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was a lifelong decision for all the times I successfully dieted then failed I gave up several times feeling that I would never get over the control weight had over me. After alot of research talking to alot of people that had it done and praying for a lifelong answer I wanted to be around for my children grandkids my family and be healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research on the types of surgery and considered lap band but I knew I needed a more permenent solution that isin't reversible.

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 I might never be able to eat even healthy foods such as salads or even have a diet soda again. Also there is a possibility of death and some of the side effects such as hair loss which I'm now experiencing. I would tell anyone that yes there is a chance of dying with any surgery BUT what is the risks of continuing to have health problems or going to have them if you stay heavy?

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 fiancee and friends mostly were very supportive but on occasion I'd heard the negitivity. I would still say the same things back then as I do now. Everyone overall has been supportive for the most part.

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

Work was supportive I just approached my boss and told her what I wanted to have and she was very gracious about it and approved my time off. I was off work about 6 weeks.

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

In the beginning it was well but the third day when I was to be released the charge nurse had given me some pain meds. I was feeling great before then and right before I was going home I got a high fever and reaction. The nurse told me she didin't look at my chart before she gave that too me which was way too much meds. I brought my clothes to go home in.

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

Yes I because very anemic and dehydrated within 2 weeks after the surgery and had to be put on meds.

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 sooooo happy that my answer to my weight problem was near. I did feel anxious sometimes I have children and my 11 year old to raise I had even thought what if's something happened to me what would happen to her. But that wasin't all the time I just prayed over these times and knew God would help me.

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

I was so tired slept alot and felt extremely weak for the first 3 weeks I did walk alot but I felt this way due to my dehydrations and anemia. I would suggest to people to make sure you eat right and exercise to get ready for the surgery and make sure someone is there for atleast the first week to help out.

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

30 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.

At first the first few weeks I was on a liquid diet then a pureed-then a soft diet- after a couple of months it's regular food. I really can't tolerate bread I've tried it a couple of times and my stomach can't handle it I get sick from it. Other then that nothing has bothered my stomach. I can't even stand the site now of jello or broth and before the surgery I loved both of them. When I was able to eat regular food some things like brocolli or salad would tear up my stomach but over time it's gotten better.

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

At first I would walk around the house to getting my walking in but when I had complications I had to wait to do any kind of walking till I felt better.

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

I take multi vitamins b-12 as well as calcium caltrate.

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

My family friends an fiancee have been so helpful. It is extremely important to have this kind of support pre and post op to help the patient with recovery.

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

It is about an inch long it is not perfect I did also have a problem with that while it was healing my incision opened up and pus was leaking from it. This took a couple of weeks extra to heal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havin't had any plateaus so far. I have been losing consistanly since the surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Alot of compliments telling me how great I look.