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

I found out thru family members and I though that was what I needed to start my life anew

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

I was estatic when I got my approval for surgrey, I finnally could start my new life. I would do this again if I had to .. My life has changed for the better and I would recommend it to anyone that needs it

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

Dr. Rod makes you feel like you have known him forever, so my visit was wonderful. Ask as many questions as posible even if they seem silly ...

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

determanation,,,, I wanted my life back

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

either was fine with me but the bypass was the best for my situation

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?

as with any surgrey you have fears , ask questions and pray. I had family support so I had fears but they didn't have me ...lol

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?

at first it was a lot to swallow for my close family but when they looked at the pro's and con's they came around. I wouldn't do anything different .. It has been a year may 13th , and they are still behind me 100%

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 mom so my kids had to adjust and pick up the slack .... lol

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. I had so much support and help. I never had to ask for anything it was like they could read my mind. the staff at Nordin was great. I was in from Friday to the following Monday. and then home ... Things to remeber is, c-pap if you have it change of clothes book or music to pass the time when you are not walking The hospital will help you with any other needs

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

I was one of the lucky few I had no complications. but I did have one of the best hospitals and surgeons

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 no anxiety , I was mentally read for this

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

the only thing I can say is you better like broth,,, I hate it now but loved it then... it was alittle scary at first , what if what if.. it ceases after a few days

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

4 hours.. you need to stop if you have a time like mine and walk a little so you don't get to sore

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 will stresssssss for you to follow your surgeons direction to the letter .. they know what is best...

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

walk as much as you can it helps with gas and soreness. take it easy and let yourself heal

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

B12 and a complete vit. will be your best friend

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 some of it all but not enogh to really notice

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

my family and friends are my support, it not for them I would have givin up long ago

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

everyone is different, mine is not so bad ... I am proud of it

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

some do some don't .... it is easy when you have been big and no what to look for