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

I started researching WLS on the Internet lurking on different WLS boards thinking that I would just have to wait till I saved up the money ,not knowing about the connection between Ins and Co-morbidities, I also had known only two people who had this type of suegery also I was a little scared at first.

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

The Cori Centers applied for my aproval and it was done very quickly. so fast I couln't believe I waited so long.

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

It was a group Seminar given after all paperwork was completed,where all questions and answers from everyone attending could be asked and answered. I took my husband with me and He was extremely supportive and all for the surgery after that point and continues to be now. So take all your question and spouse and best friend or parent if they even pretend to be unsupportive. After that we saw the Surgeon individually and set up surgery dates, and asked any ?? pertinent to us individually.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to feel good and look good and the information I recieved was Very encouraging.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Drs Explanation and things I read on the internet made me decide on the Cori Centers Micro Pouch, mainly the lack of need for revision, I didn't really want and incision however I didn't ever want to repeat this surgery.

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 knew I could Die however I finally came to the conclusion the life I was experiencing wasn't much better, and decided that I would pick the best Surgeon for the procedure and follow the direction and let God take care of the rest. In addition I have had surgeries recommended by Drs that could also have had bad outcomes but not so great a pleasure as this has been.This is a greater health issue than many/most realize. I personnalt don't call thiss elective.

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 supportive but scared My Dad asked me to cancel surgery because He was scared, and is now a great supporter.

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

I am self employed, But I knew I would need some time off. My office manager was very supportive.

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

My hospital stay was great, The best things to bring was a comb,tooth brush, paste, a little lip stick, and A big sense of hummor. Leave the whinnies at home and be sweet to your staff and they will be wonderful to you. I was there 4 days.Chap stick a brush note pad and pen for directions and some good sugar free jello.

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

Heart rate was a little high so I sayed an extra day for observation, no problems.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

A little anxious occ tearful, but mostly gratefull and hopeful for the future and tasted every thing I felt I would miss after Surgery. Haven't missed really anything yet. 4 monthes post opp.

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

I felt a little slow moving, but I must have alot of endorphins because I felt like I had purchased a new toy that would bring me alot of joy as I recover . I am a Real Estate Agent and had My husband drive when I went back to work a little and had to show some houses. No problems, also with the surgery I had I didn't seem to have a Diarhrea problem as some do however I took extra clothes with me just in case.

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

I had to go to Harper in Detrout which is about 1 Hr for me, and My surgeon is about 1 Hr no problems with this as I was pleased with both.

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.

At first of course, liquids only, Juice seemed to sweet for me so I mixed it with water,Semi liquids were very easy, the semi soft foods were a little more of a challenge and must be added slowly, When I began solid food it was the hardest because the taste was there and it was harder to eat slowly ,occ vomiting happens and it is best to eat smaller amount slowly and not get too hungry as it makes you sometimes eat too fast

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

Slow at first ,and as the weight comes off you have such a feeling of well being activity automatically speeds up. Two weeks I feel you need to be carefull and pamper yourself.

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

Calcium, and Vitamins with Chealated minerals.They are large so my husband crushes & adds them to my protein drink then that are eady to get in.

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 had no dumping because I am Not about to eat any sugar, Why would I want the discomfort and diahrea, No other problems within just a few short weeks no sleep app machine no prevacid for reflux, no Lipitor for Cholestorol,no water pills, no blood pressure pills, and less use of celebrex for arthritis, Now I take only one baby aspirin so I won't stroke out. Never had a stroke just TIA. Just a few extra hair losses probably because I keep the protein high.

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

I am a stomach sleeper and that took a few weeks to be able to do.

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

OH is my biggest support system, I have been to a few support group meetings, but they are generally to far.

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

better then expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

seemed a little slow after about 6 monthes but no real plateau

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I believe people respect me more now