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

Fear

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

Not difficult.

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

Ask blunt questions that you wrote down after seeking them on line. What type of proceedure, techniques, recovery, hutrician, exersices, fears, expectations...

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It just happened. One moment I am looking at the option and next I have a date.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Permanancy

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 death. I could handle any other issue I thought but fear of death almost stopped me from doing. I then learned that most people look at data and do not realize that it includes those with co-morbid issues that may have died as a result of those and surgery and not the surgery it self. Take a look at your situation and issues not other peoples.

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?

Supportive mostly

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

I am a full time student

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

My stay was not enjoyable. I dislike the hospital. I was there 3 days. Bring very little. Walk as soon as possible.

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

No I did not. Other than an ANGRY left side muscle.

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

Fear intesified. Stayed focused on the before and after photo's on this site.

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

Have a chair to sleep and sit in that is easy to get out and in of own your own. Like LAZY-BOY chair. Being able to get up and go potty on your own will be appriciated by loved ones. Have a writing desk/TV tray to write on, use your laptop on. You'll want the on-line support. Don't be a hero take your meds for pain.

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

55 miles three counties and two cities.

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 followed the four stage meal plan. Liquids, semi and sold and maintainance plans. I have a little trouble with cheese and constipaction.

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

Little.

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

Opticsourse

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 none yet.

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

Pain, Fear.

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

None available here

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

Small scraps

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Slow weight loss after the first two months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes