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

I first heard about Bariatric Surgery about 7 yrs ago. My initial impression of it was that WLS would work for me, when everything else I had tried failed.

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

I had Kaiser Permanente at the time and upon filling out my paper work about myself, I also typed out on another sheet of paper my family history, such as heart attacks, young deaths from being obessed, anything that would help with their decision.

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

My first visit the my physician was impressive. He knew the pain and stuggles of being over weight. I didnt have many question, because I had done so much research on Bariatric Surgery for many years.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I never had to decide, I just knew I needed it if I wanted to live a long life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a surgery that would control how much I ate, and what I ate, so I decided Gastric Bypass. To me, the lap band would still allow me to eat WHATEVER I wanted, but in smaller portions.

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 didnt have any fears.....to me I was going to die a young age if I didnt have the surgery. So what I would tell anyone who is thinking about having WLS is that-you have to decide for yourself what is right for you. If you have a fear of dying during or after surgery, thing of it as if - if you do not have the surgery will die anyways.

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, they are proud of the success that I have had. I am hear to help anyone who has questions or want to know about my journey.

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

I was out of work for 4 weeks, my SUP and coworkers were rooting me on the whole time.

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 great, I was there for 3 days and if you want to keep busy then bring your self reading material, cross word puzzles, etc.

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

I had a lower part of my lung colapse. It scared my famiy, but I did what the nurses said and was better in no time.

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 really didnt have much anxiety, more anxious with starting a new life for my self.

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

Your First few weeks you will be drained and sore, so the best thing to do is just let nature take it course. Sit back and relax and let other do thing for you for a change.

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

I only drove 30 mins away for my surgery.

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.

Three days before surgery I drank clear liquds, no alcohol, broth, suger free jello. The same thing after surgery for two weeks. Then I went to soft foods like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, soup, etc. Fourth week out I moved up to soft caned meats, tuna, chicken, etc.

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

Not much activity level, I felt like my body needed to rest after a big surgery and my collapsed lower lung.

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

I take a chewable Centrum Vitaman, B12 under the tongue, and Calcium daily.

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?

The main side effect that I had was vomiting. You have to learn to eat slow, chew your food well. If your food isnt chewed well it get stuck, it makes you feel like you have heart burn and you have to get it up.

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

Having to constintly buy new clothes.

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

Scars are minimal for the type of surgery you are having.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateau lasted about a month, but the weight loss progressively slows down once you are getting closer to your goal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I havnt noticed people treating me different. I feel for the most part that I was not as big as most people having Bariatric Surgery. I weighed 230 lbs, most people who have WLS are 300+ lbs.