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

I initially was looking at the Lap-Band. But, then I found out that my insurance will not cover such a 'new' procedure. So I was told about this by a friend and I think it would be a great thing for my health and life.

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

I have TriWest Insurance through the Air Force. TriWest is one of those insurance companies that wants you to do every little step on the way to what you want... meaning I have been to nutritionists, personal trainers, physical therapy sessions and then an Endocronologist. Finally they referred me to Dr. Rawlins. I have learned with TriWest that if you push the right buttons and research what you think is best for you... TriWest will give you what you want within reason.

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

I met the surgeon at the information night. He is very nice. The information night was great. I met a couple great people and learned a lot. The questions that I didn't think to ask were asked by others. Everyone thinks different and a group meeting was the best way for me to get information.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided that the health risks that I face in the future would be pretty much gone if I got the RnY procedure done. So at the information night I found out that I would never have heartburn again! Wow! So, I guess that my mind was made up before I heard that, but that cinched the deal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the Lap-Band and Rny. Basically they each have their pro's and con's. My insurance was the deciding factor in the deal. Lap-Band is not covered by TriWest. Rny is. So the Rny procedure is proven safer and less complicated and I decided that it was the best way for me to go.

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 don't have fears of dying. I have fears of what and who I will leave behind and how they will cope. So... I don't even want to think of the possiblility of death. I have fears of ulcers and complications during surgery, but like any surgery if you don't trust your sergon then you shouldn't be getting surgery. I have complete trust.

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 and friends don't think this is the way to go. They don't even think I am heavy enough to be considering the surgery. But they don't understand the underlying health concerns that I have either. My husband is completely understanding and even encouraging. He wants me around for a lifetime, and I want to be around. I would tell my family and friends that this is a very personal decision and that I am very well educated on the subject. That I need their encouragement and support, not their negative reactions and comments.

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

I am a small business owner and I schedule my own hours. So, my boss is wonderful. Ha ha.

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

I was in the hospital for 2 days. I had my surgery at 7:30 am on Tuesday and was released by 12pm on Thursday. I had a great hospital stay. The nurses were wonderful... just get up and walk! Make them get you up! I think you should bring shampoo and your tooth brush!

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

No complications. I was moody about the 4th day out. Beware that! I did have cold and hot flashes for the first week. I just watch sappy movies to counteract the moodiness and I took warm showers to stay warm to the core.

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 excited the first couple of weeks that I received my surgery date. But the closer the surgery comes, the more nervous I get. I keep having these thoughts where I talk myself into working out and eating well... but then, after a week I realize that it didn't work the first time, why would it work now? That's when I know I made the right decision about the surgery and my health.

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

Expect to never feel full. On the liquid diet, you don't feel full. Remember that hormones are stored in fat cells so there will be a rampage of them, know how to control them and warn your spouse!

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

About 15 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.

You can't have seeds. Skins. Or dry meat. I had the hardest time on the liquid diet. I made due with sugar free jello, pudding and hot cocoa.

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

I am walking at least 30 min a day. I find that I feel better, more energized and I love the fresh air!

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

I am taking Optisourse. I got it at Walgreens. I take 4 a day and I am getting the nutrients I need.

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 a dumping problem in the first month. If I ate any sugar it would go right through me and if I ate too fast... well it came right back up. I expected this and have adjusted just fine. I'm in my 3rd month now and I watch what and how I eat. I am just now starting to lose my hair. It's ok, I'm a hairdresser, I can deal with the thinning.

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

I think the worst part was the emotional breakdown I had when I came home from the hospital. My poor husband. I love him so for sticking by me. It only lasted a couple of days... but that man. I am so lucky!

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

Spokane has a local support meeting every 3rd Thursday of the month.

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

I have 5 small 1 inch scars... no big deal. And they are getting smaller as I lose the weight!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am going through a slight plateau right now... at my 3 month. I knew it would happen. I just need to hit the gym again (I have been slacking).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OMG! I love it when my friends come up to me and say wonderful things about how I look. I look younger... I love that one! I feel better too. But mostly I just love how people I don't know have noticed... I had a guy at bowling the other night ask me if I was losing weight. (I had the surgery 2 days before the season started) He noticed and asked about it... that takes guts. But I politely say thank you, yes I have. Smile inside and walk away.