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

I had researched bariatric surgery for about 4 or five years before I had the surgery. I almost had it done about 3 years ago and chickened out. Then I realized I needed to do it and then I did.

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

I was denied the first time and then I tried again and was approved. Just keep trying and find a surgeon whose staff will work with you in meeting your goals.

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

My doctor was very thorough in his explanation of what to expect. He had also had a seminar that I went to and I realized he was very good at what he did.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that I coouldn't get the weight off that I needed to get off without this surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the Roux en Y gastric bypass

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 was afraid of dying. I got very ill for about 4 months and had 3 major surgeries in a row. But I would do it again

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 and my children supported me. Some of my friends did not.

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

I am disabled for the last 4 years.

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

My hospital stay was fine. I was there 3 days

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

I had complications. I got infection in my replacement knee and it had to come out.

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 anxious but ready.

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

The first few weeks is a learning experience on what I could eat.

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

Only 5 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 couldn't get my protien supplements down, I would just vomit when I drank them. So I ended up losing a lot of hair..

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

Because I had to have 3 major surgeries back to back,well I was pretty weak So now I am getting stronger everyday.

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

I take feracon for my anemia. I take potassium and magnesium.

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 am pretty vain so losing my hair was pretty tough. I also had a problem with dry heaves and vomiting. I didn't even have to eat something I shouldn't eat. One time it bothered me and the next it wouldn't

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

Actually the infection I got was the worst.

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

I haven't been involved in a support group yet.

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

I had laproscoptic surgery. Just little tiny scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am now at where I am happy with my weight loss. I did plateau about 30 pounds ago. Now I just try to maintain my weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some do. Some tell me I look older since I lost weight. My daughter tells me they are just jealous.