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

saw a add

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

I had no problem getting approved. My Dr's had my past history.

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

I was nervous and barley met the minimum weight to quailify. Best to ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was the way for me to go to finally achieve my goal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I didn't want my insides cut and rearranged. So I knew the band was 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?

I wasn't afaird of dying. I was concerned about not being able to be statisfied wit only eating 4 oz of food at a time. I was concerned about being sick from eating, but I never have had a problem.

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 husband was skepticale that I could do it. My sons and parents were concerned that I would have complications. Just be confidiant. They were very supportive which is very important.

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

Skeptical that I would only be off a few days. I had surgery on Tues, went home on Wed @ noon and back to work on Friday 1/2 day then full time on Monday.

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

It was pleasent, the staff was great. I was there overnight and checked out by noon. All you need is a brush tooth brush and paste. I wore loose clothes that I would wear home.

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

No complications

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 most of the time when I had doubts I would talk to one of the ladies that had alreay had it done.

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

I did no lifting. First few days I had to walk a little slower. As for eating 1st broths, water protien shakes which I mixed with yogurt and juice. Then went to cream soups, then soft foods, and at 4 weeks I was eating solid food. I never got sick. I can eat anything I want.

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

7 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.

I have no food that I haven't been able to eat. Just make sure you take very small bite and chew it well. If you can't chew it spit it out.

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

for six weeks walking only. now I can do anything I want

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

1 flintestone with iron, 2 calicum, 2500 B12 3 times a week 1 viatim for hair and nails a 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 didn't have any side effects

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

The clear liquids

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

My husband and best friend have been great. I try to go to the local support class once a month and comunicate online with them

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

They are a little bigger then I expected. They are still healing. I have 4 the size of a pea and one the is about a 1/2 long

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I haven't had any. I have averaged 1 to 2 lbs a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

just more attention. lots of complaimnets from people that normally wouldn't say anything.