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

I first found out about bariatric surgery through one of my patients in the doctors office where I am employed at. I thought man oh man is this what I could look like again and be healthy.

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

My first time trying to get insurance approval failed. They said that they did cover that type of surgery. The second time was when I became insured with another company. With this company I had no problem at all. My first submission was a pre-approval. My final approval came 3 days before surgery. I suggest to anyone who is thinking about the surgery to find out which insurance companies will actually cover the procedure and beyond the procedure.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was him saying why are you here? (HA, HA) I was told that I didn't look 242 lbs. I carried it well. My BMI was 42. All in all it was a great feeling and a warm feeling. He was very caring and sincere. Make sure with your first meeting you get that warm feeling.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery when I read an article that 90% of patients with diabetes are cured.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I went to my consultation the doctor explained to me that the lap band was not going to rid me of the diabetes because it just tightens your stomach. The gastric bypass was the best solution and he was right.

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 had no fear of dying. I did not even entertain that thought. I tell my patients to go into this procedure with eyes wide open and prayer.

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 were all for the idea. My co-workers were a different story. They thought that I didn't need it. When after the surgery my sons thought that it was strange. It was strange because they were used to seeing me eat too much, now it's very little. But they are impressed with my weight loss.

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

My employer who is a doctor reacted with saying all you need to do is monitor your sugar and eat healthy. I was out of work for 4 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful. I had the most gracious staff attending to me. I was there for 5 days. The most important thing to bring with you is confidence, prayer and great thoughts.

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

I developed a leak after surgery, which required me to go back to surgery a day later. Other than some minor pain, I was feeling great overall.

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 can honestly say that I did not develop any anxiety after surgery. I think that I coped very well and continue to do so.

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

The worst were the first 4 weeks. doing the protein shakes. People should expect to do the right thing and follow all instructions to be healthy and successful at your weight loss.

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

My surgeon was 10 minutes from my home.

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.

The food that I cannot eat still as of yet is chicken unless it's heavily marinated. Potatoe chips I cannot do because they will send me into cramps. I've also became lactose interolant.

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

I've great activity levels. I call myself tigger. I have so much energy at times I can't sit still.

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

I take: vitamin-d, calcium citrate with magnesium, multivitamins, b12 injections, iron supplements and protonix.

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've just started losing my hair and I am 5 months post. Losing my hair is a first.

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

the worst part after surgery is not sure if I should by clothes

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

I try to attend all support groups when notified. I still continue to read about the procedure and the after processes.

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

I had the laproscopic procedure with 6 tiny pinholes. It was more than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was told at 3 mos. to slow down the process of losing and to eat more so that I don't reach my plateau too soon. By 3 mos. I had already reached my half way mark. My goal is 140 that they gave me. I started at 242 and at three months I was 198.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get a lot of compliments