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

I 1st found out about bariatric surgery in 2004 and went to a siminar so I could get educated. I went thru the testing period with different doctors, and all my personal physicians were very optimistic about me having the RNY. But the surgeon turned me down, by saying that I was a high risk especially because of my heart condition, but because of my other diseases, too. So, I was disappointed but decided not to allow any room for negativity. If the surgery was meant to happen, it would be in the future and that would give me time to consider other options.

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

Once I chose a surgeon, the medical staff handeled everything from there. There was a breif waiting period but it was'nt long at all.

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

My surgeon is Dr. Michael Williams in Alphretta, GA. He is the GREATEST! My 1st visit was pretty normal. No rush, he explained the proceedure completely to me and asked if I had any questions. He also told me that I could always call his office or the Bariatric Center with any questions or concerns. He made sure that I felt comfortable before I left his office that day. I was so excited at last to know that I had found a surgeon that I trusted to come on this journey with me!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health is so important to me! I love life and all that it has to offer, and my family and being here for them and to enjoy them all was so...valuable to me, so priceless! I made up my mind to have the surgery back in 2004. My opportunity finally came in 2007. All I can say is "It was on!"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor helped a great deal in this process. After all, he is the expert in his field. I had already checked his status before even considering him as a choice.

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?

Anytime you have to have a surgical proceedure or even some types of experimental proceedures there are risks that you could die. That's why you have to sign a consent form prior to all proceedures. I say, ask yourself where your faith and priority lies...and then peaceably make your decision to do it or not to do it. It's your decision alone, even though others can encourage you or discourage you. Just remember that. You'll be fine.

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

I had a very pleasant stay in the hospital. All the staff was kind, attentive and very professional. I was there for three days. This may sound crazy, but the most important thing I brought with me was my new attitude! Being so sick all the time didn't leave me much hope. But I knew that the day of my surgery would be the 1st day of my new life...requiring a new attitude. I knew I was going to have to start immediatelly after my surgery and I was ready!

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

No complications at all! I felt great immediatelly!

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 felt real good. I didn't have to use the pain medication that was perscribed to me after surgery. I was able to start a short walking program the 1st week I came home. That helped me with anxiety and stress. It felt so good to be able to walk for 10 mins a day without giving out of breath, and without bone and joint pain! What a blessing!

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

I had to adjust to the diet of course, liquids at 1st in small quanities, measuring stuff, but the biggest adjustment was my appitite. I didn't feel hungry! But I had to eat like I was told to do by my nutritionists and all the staff at my doctors office and the Bariatric Center, or I was going to set myself up for failure. And that's not apart of my program,OK?

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

I only had to travel about 30 miles from home to the doctors office and to the hospital. No problems there. Sometimes I have a problem getting to the support group though. I'm looking into this now because support groups are a very important part of life from now on.

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

10 mins a day @ 1st then 10 mins 3 X a day then 15 mins and so forth.

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

Flintstone vitamins and Calcium w/vitamin D and Magnesium are what I'm currently on and will continue to be on the rest of my life. I was on protein shakes twice a day for the 1st 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. I started introducing protein in the form of tuna, chicken, fish, beef after the shakes were discontinued and could only tollerate very small amounts at 1st. I'm now 6 months old in my new body and can eat 3 to 4 oz of protein (meat) 3 X a day.

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

Haven't experienced that part yet! Don't know that there is a worst part for me!

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

I was only able to attend maybe 2 support groups due to transportation needs, but I'm checking with another doctor in my area to see when his group meets so I can continue to go. This is a very important part of your lifestyle change.

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

Scar? What scar? Oh, you mean those tiny scars that are barely noticeable on my abdomen! I thought I was going to have a big ugly scar from this type of surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't experienced any plateau's at this time. However, I'm prepared for it if it happens. I realize that it could happen and I have been taught by the pro's how I should deal with it, so I'm confident that it will be a challenge that I will win!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! People treat me like a normal person now. Sometimes, people that know me don't recognize me right away. After all, I am 95 lbs lighter in 6 months! I look younger and have more energy! I don't waddle from side to side when I walk or drag my feet slowly or sit down after every few steps. I used to get lots of disgusted looks from people that didn't even know me.