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

I found out about it about 5 years ago when my friend had it. I was learery at first but then i got to studing it more.

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 problems with Triad at all.Just that they lost my paper work and had to resend it.

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

I had a real good visit with Dr. Janes he didn't sugar coat anything and told you how it is. But he offere alot of information on the surgery and made me feel good.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight just kept getting larger and larger and my energy was nothing.

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

I went in the hosptial monday morning and came home on thursday morning. The hosptial was great the nurses and aides were very good and caring. Make sure you bring reading material or a radio.

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

No

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 so excited that i cryed. I didn't really get nervous or anything i had my mind set that i was going to do good and i have.

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

Well i had my surgery Nov 10th and i have done well. I moved around kinda slow for a few days but after that i was on the move.You may feel tired and you will be sore for a while.

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

60miles.

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.

Oatmeal made me feel nausea but that is about the only thing i have found so far that doesn't go well with me. I didn't vomitt or anything it just made me feel nausea.

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

I did alot of setting up and walking that is the best for you. It helps with the soreness.

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

I take cetrum performance at night it seems to work better at night.

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?

So far i haven't had any of those things yet hopefully i want.

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

Not being able to do for yourself.My pain level was very low.

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

Just talking with people online that have had the same surgery.

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

it is long but i healed in 2 weeks and got all my staples out.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Ya a little everyone is so shocked at how much weight i have lost.