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

I was at my endo Dr. He recommended surgery and told me I would qualify. It took him 3 long years to finely get me to be serious about the surgery.

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

I have medicare. I had no problem getting approved. The doctors office did everything for me and let me know when they approved me.

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

My first visit was full of information. He sat me and my family down and explained step by step what would happen. He gave us planty of time to ask all of our questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided in September 2010 that I wanted to have surgery to help me loose weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spent hours on line reading information. I watched YouTube Videos of the procedure, and people who have had the procedure. I decided to go with the D.S. because I didn't want to thro up like with some other procedures. Also the success rate of the D.S. is very good too.

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?

My fear wasn't of dieing from complications. My fear was not getting the surgery and only having a few miserable years left. I wanted a change and I was willing to take the risk. I had confidence in my surgeon and nurses. I left the rest up to God.

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?

I have great family members. They support me 100% They have taken all my changes in stride.

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

I was already disabled when I had my surgery. I have had years and years of back pain and surgeries. Yet another reason to have the weightloss surgery.

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

I was a little scared. I learned alot, about the valtreck and shy you eat a special diet after surgery for a few weeks. I found out with the D.S. You have the valve in the stomach that keeps you from puking. :) It helped me know what surgery I wanted and was best for me.

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 pleasant,I had my own room so it was quiet and dark when I wanted it to be. The nurses were very nice and thoughtful. I was there for 4 days. The most important thing I took to the hospital was my cell phone, charger, and extension cord. :)

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

9 days after surgery I was having very sharp pains under my rib cage. I called my nurse, she told me to call the Dr. He told me I should go to the hospital. When I got to the hospital they already knew I was going to be there and knew what test to take. I was treated 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?

The first few weeks after surgery I started feeling much better. I was worried about getting the diabetis back. My diabetis was gone by the time I came home from the hospital. That was a great feeling.

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

The first few weeks I had a hard time knowing what my new stomach was trying to tell me. I didn't know if I was full or had to burp. I didn't know if I was hungry enough to have anything to eat. Expect taste changes.

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

I only traveled about 20 miles 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.

I have not been able to have white enriched bleached flour. It is a good thing. I don't eat white bread - which use to be a vice for me. In the months after surgery I have found I don't like the taste of white bread anyway - plus the tummy ache isn't worth it. I have substatued all white bread with wheat bread. I have to make sure they don't sneek the white flour in wheat products.

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

I have been working on raising my activity level. I have a few very good reasons. I have to recover from all my back surgeries. It's also required for your weightloss surgery to get the best results. Exercise is one way to help your sugar to stay on track.

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

I take 3 calcium pills (2000mg a day). I took 3 bariatric advantage a day for a while. My vitamins are good enough to take a one a day now. I take vitamin A (10000 IU) 3 a day do to deficiancy. I take biotin and silicia for hairloss. I use to take 50000 IU of dry vitamin D. But have sinse lowered to 5000 IU a day. I take 2 fish oil/omega 3 a day for dry skin and to raise my good cholesterol. All my cholesterol is normal now except the low is too low.

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 have had hairloss it started about 6 months after surgery and I am taking biotin and silicia for this. I also have chest pain from gas in the morning that wakes me from sleep sometimes.

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

I think the worst part was waiting to have the surgery. The anxiety and worry about what if what if what if...

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

I have meetings once every 2 weeks for 2 years - or longer if I prefer (lifetime if needed) I get alot of good information just from being around other people who are going thru the same things I am.

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

I have a scar. It reminds me where I had to go to get to where I am. Not always a bad thing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few small plateaus so far. I try to remember to get 80g protine a day, lots of liquids, and to up the exercise a little. Focus

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have started saying things like hay skinny.. feels good :) I feel I see people smiling at me in public more often.