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

OH and I was skeptical but excited.

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

I was denied on BCBST the first time, and had to wait around 10 years until I was on disability and then tried again. I thank God for my disability insurance.

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

It was fantastic, I instantly liked him and loved the fact that he was so focused on the outcome of my surgery and gave me all the info I needed about what to have done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was going to die without it. My body was so heavy and it was so impossible for me to do anything without nearly passing out. I just knew that this is what I was going to do eventually, it was just a matter of time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

God made the choice for me. I wanted RnY but I wasn't aware that the only doctor at Baptist hospital that took my insurance ONLY did lap band. I started to leave bawling like a baby and my heart breaking when this incredibly nice lady approached me and told me her story about her banding procedure and how much she had lost. Then I spoke to Dawn and I was SOLD!!!! Dawn really was instrumental in my choice, she was kind, compassionate and above all just like family.

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?

Dying was the biggest, I just thank God that I came through. Your doctors are well trained. They will do everything in their power to keep you safe and bring you back to your family!!!!

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

Not applicable.

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

GOOD SHOES!!!!!! Or something really comfortable to walk in after surgery. I didn't wear my old faithful shoes and ended up getting blisters on my feet from the new shoes I had bought. Dont make my mistake!!!

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

I had some post surgical itching, we never did find the problem but it cleared up mostly a week after surgery.

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 haven't had any anxiety. I have really felt fantastic!!!!

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

To walk and to rest, you will probably feel tired for a couple of weeks but as you feel better your activity will increase and you will begin to feel like a new person!!!

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

I traveled to Nashville from Cookeville, I am not sure mileage wise how far that is.

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.

After my liquids and my soft foods and I was able to handle regular food the only thing I have found so far that I cannot really tolerate is ground beef. Everything else (that I am supposed to have) I am okay with so far.

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

I have walked more than ever before, and have since started to go places without my trusty wheelchair.

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

I take two Flintstones chewable tablets each 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?

I had one serious bout of nausea and dizzyness so far, otherwise I have had no lasting side effects.

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

NOT HAVING DONE IT SOONER!!!!

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

I rely on OH for my support as well as family and friends I met at the doctors office. I keep up to date on all the new things going on and really stay on top of my "band" allowances and such. I think it is VERY important to have support because sometimes you just need someone's opinion, advice or help. To have someone that has already been through what you are going through makes it even better.

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

I have six scars and they are not nearly as bad as I would have thought.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too early for that right now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, because I am rarely out.