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

I first saw co-workers who had the surgery and then went on line to learn more about the procedures and what kind of results people were getting from the surgery. To also find what risks were involved with having weightloss surgery.

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

I couldn't get approval from my insurance. They have an exclusion in the policy that even if it is medically necessary it will not be approved. I suppose I could have fought it with lawyers and such but I didn't want to waste the money or the time. I needed to get the surgery done before I lost my job and before my health deteriorated further. I went through all of my options and decided to take out a Home Equity Line of Credit at 6.99% and take the deduction from my taxes at the end of the year.

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

I was excited and scared. I stood on the scale for the first time in God knows how long and cried like a baby when it said 424 lbs!! I left with the realization that this was really the beginning of the rest of my life! My only hope at living any kind of normal life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that I would never live to see my beautiful daughter grow up, marry and be a grandmother unless I took control of my life and lose the weight. I knew my daughter would be stuck taking care of me instead of living her own life. I wanted to finally invest in "ME" and that's exactly what I did!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the one that gave the best results. Not one you could cheat by loosening the band for special occasions etc. The one that made me really change my eating habits for life.

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?

I wasn't truly living my life at 424 lbs and 5ft 4 in. Tall. I believed that if it was my time then so be it. I also knew this was my only real chance at a normal and healthy life.

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?

Everyone was very supportive. In fact my daughter had the same surgery, the same day, by the same doctor. We worked together and it was amazing!

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

Very supportive. Only out about 3-6 weeks all together.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Very informative, a good experience. Wonderful to hear from people in various stages and see how each felt about their experiences.

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

I was in the hosptial for two days. It wasn't the best experience. I would reccomend making sure you get the morphene pump and not depend on the nurses to get you your pain meds on time. Other then that it was ok. I didn't get much assistance when it came to washing up or getting cleaned up and changed so I wasn't really happy about that either.

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

After going home I did end up with an infection on the incission on my left side under my rib cage. I put hot compresses on it immediately and the nest morning when I pushed on it a bunch of redish clear liquid flew out. I called the doctor and they had to open it up a bit and pack it. We are now cleaning and packing it daily until it closes from the inside. It was caught early so it hasn't caused much discomfort. This is a common occurance for this surgery and the treatment is going very well.

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 so excited! Nervous because of my daughter having it the same day and scared she wouldn't get through it alright. I think talking to her and discussing my fears really helped. Find someone you can talk to and don't think anything is to dumb to discuss. Fear is real and you should talk to the doctor, nurses, family and friends to find the answers you need to get you through to surgery.

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

Really hunger isn't the problem. It is really the head hunger, the emotional hunger that has to be re-routed. Using this tool to change my eating habits is what I am working on. The first week was rough with the gas pains but after that it is just a matter of reconditioning yourself. Eating slow and not drinking when you eat. Getting enough fluids in and enough protein is a big task but workable.

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

The Doctor's office and Hospital are about 30 miles away. Not really a problem for aftercare.

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.

We have a very good book with instructions on diet and excersize. Basic no nos are Carbs....bread, rice and pasta. We are on liquid two days, then pureed for two weeks and then regular food after that. Pretty much portien and fruits or vegies at meals and protein shakes to get in the missing protein. The foods didn't change just the amount. first week was 1 oz protein and 1 oz. vegi or fruit, then 2 oz protein and 1 oz vegi ir fruit...etc.

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

practically nill. I have bad knees and can barely walk but I just got a walker with wheels and am working on that. I am doing isometrics also.

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

Calcium, CQ10,Iron, Potassium,Multivitamins.

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 only dumped twice and it wasn't pleasant. Sleep has been the most difficult but I am working on it. I am 3 weeks out and still having some problems with it.

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

The worst part of the process was right after surgery, the first week. Then thinking why didn't I do this sooner. :) Not being approved by my insurance company was awful but then if I had it would have been at least a year until I got to actually have the surgery so maybe this was a god send.

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

Surgeon sees us at two weeks, one month, 3 months, six months and then each year. There is the support group once a month and I have some friends I keep in touch with from the group. We chat and help each other.

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

My scars are not to bad. My daughter's are almost invisible. I guess it depends on age. She is 22 and heals faster and it sure shows that I am 46. The scars are nothing compared to the results.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateus yet but I am sure there will be many.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but I know they will