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

My sister-in-law had it done. My primary care PA (Pandora Williams) thougth it might be for me. At that time I was up for just about anything.

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

I made a point to get to know my insurance rep. I called EVERY week, the same day of the week (Monday), at the same exact time of the day (1:11 pm). By doing this, I assured myself I would receive the same rep each time. Believe it or not, it worked. My rep quickly became one of my biggest supporters. She (Susan) became to expect my call each week. She was ready with the information and quick insurance tips each time we talked. Two weeks past that I was not able to call. My phone rang and guess who it was? Yes, it was Susan. She wanted to make sure I was okay. I was very ill. She took the initiave to help me in that area as well. Thank you Susan. My advice to anyone in the early stages or getting approval for your surgery is .... GET TO KNOW YOUR INSURANCE REP! I can't stress that enough. It works for more than the gastric bi-pass.

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

I saw Dr. Jurez first, who impressed me to no end. I ended up opting for Dr. Fang, which I thank God every day for such an opportunity. I suggest that anyone going for thier first meeting(s) with the surgeons, is write all questions and concerns down. Inquire about the smallest of details. Listen carefully and write down what you learn so you can re-read it once you come off of your information high.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health decided for me. It was not an option. When my cartiologist advised me, along with my doctor (Pandora Williams) insist I seriously consider it... I decided at that moment.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Fang decided for me.

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?

Since I was (in my opinion) already dying, I wasn't afraid of the surgery itself. My fear was silly. I was afraid of the anesthesia. I have so many allergies, I was sure that or the side effects would be the killer.

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 those who insisted that I NOT have the procedure, but Dr. Fang and Pandora had forewarned me of that. I wouldn't change anything that I communicated. I know what I needed to have done, and I know the surgeon was skilled enough to save my life.

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

My boss was against it. Her fear was that she would be the heaviest person in the office (she already was). The few others that knew what was about to transpire supported me to the fullest.

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

I was in St. Lukes for two days. I think two days. I had surgery on Monday and was released Wednesday morning. I had on my medical alert tag (medicine allergies) and was given THAT medication TWICE! Yikes. Try chugging down five packs of Benedryl after having your tummy altered. I was treated well, but was greatful to leave.

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

Just the reaction to the anestisia. I felt like my skin was trying to tear away from my body... or I felt like I wanted to peel it off it itched and burned so bad. My entire body was one inflamed hive. I called my surgeon's office and they perscribed me good meds that would slowly but surely relieve my hives.

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 no anxiety. I felt great after the hives eased.

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

Just rest. You just had a major operation.

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

99 miles. I would have walked it (like I could have) if I had to. It was well worth it.

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 stayed on liquids and pureed food for some time. My doctor (Dr. Fang) had to demand I go to the next stage. I have terrible allergies to so many foods, I was happy getting anything in my system. I did the soups, skim milk, protien (tried so many) Protien X worked the best for me. Plain water was a no-no for quite some time. I moved on up slowly. Didn't even attempt meat for about 5 months.

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

I felt I could do everything, but did very little... except walk. First up and down the hall-way at home, then around the yard, then ... oh boy! I did the Gazelle.

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

Protien X, Sub-B12 liquid, Vitimin C, Gas Ex... and that is just about it. Oh! Botin! Did I go overboard?

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?

Just getting lathargic after eating or drinking anything. I stayed in constant contact with my Surgeon... who had me try different things until we found something that worked.

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

The hives after surgery! Yikes! I felt like peeling off my skin. Aside of that... NOTHING! Go for it!

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

Online WLS - NW Hospital - El Dorado Hospital Groups. My sister who had surgery after I did and my niece who had surgery before I did... we support each other.

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

They looked like chicken pox but they are almost faded now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None really. Now I am on one, but I am okay. 120lbs down and 10 to go. Not bad for one year.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! I will have to come back to this one.