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

I had seen a commercial on tv. I thought that it was worth looking into.

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

I did not have a problem getting a approval. It took me a few extra months to complete what was required because I had a lot of other pressing things going on. I have a child with Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Tourettes. ( just the tip of the iceberg ) So I was in and out of the Dr, with him.

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

I went to a seminar before I was able to meet with the Dr. He went over all of the options that I had. He was more than willing to answer any and all questions that had been asked. The first time that I was in the office it was much of the same. More information and willingness to answer any questions that I had.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to watch my children grow up and have their own families.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

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 did not have any. I was more fearful of the fact that I had a chance of dying without it than with it .

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 a great support system . They where all very helpful and still are.

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 stay at home mom.

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

I found it very informative

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

I had a great experience at the hospital. The staff is very helpful and caring

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 had the most pain the day after surgery and then every day it got a little better .

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

I was unable to sleep on my bed as it was hard to get out. But I soon got back into bed and back to normal ( above normal ) life

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

less than a mile

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 meal list to a T

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

I was walking 2 miles the day that I left the hospital.

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

mult. Vit B1 B12 Cal

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?

none

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

the day after

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

i have to look for them as they are so light

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have found that when I did plateau it was due to lack of water intake

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! And not always in a good way