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

I had a friend who had it many years ago and I felt scared for her because she was the only I knew who had it. I was not comfortable with the idea but was there for her.

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 really have a bad experience, but I would advise others to make sure that you make contact with the insurance company. Do not expect the doctors office to do all the work.

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

I was very scared. Make sure you bring lots of questions. No question is a dumb one if you want the answer.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was hard for me to breathe when I walked or went up the stairs. I want to be here for my children!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed the many option with the surgeon and made a choice on which one just would be the best for me.

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 wrote a will because any time you have surgery especially being over weight you are at a greater risk. I prayed in hopes that it would go well. It did!

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 most of my friends were very happy for me. They were concerned due to the lack of knowledge about the surgery. They all helped me after surgery by coming over to my house and making sure I was walking and getting my liquids in.

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

My manager was great. She was very supportive. I had to stay off work for 8weeks, and she told me to take my time.

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

I had an awesome stay at the hospital. I was there for 4 days. It was time to go home and I was ready. Bring your robe!

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

The only problem I had after the surgery was I couldn't pass gas. I think I just wanted to go home.

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 very excited and scared. Being with my family was very important to me and their support.

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

The drain tube is a headache. You will feel like a totally different person when it is removed. Do not do more than you should. Walk, Walk, Walk!

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

The hospital and doctors office is about 8mins from my house.

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.

Well, I am 7weeks out and I have not been able to eat grilled fish or fruit.

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

I was very tired after surgery, but now I am all over the place. I can play basketball with my children and not get tired

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

I take calcium, and amultivitamin twice a day.

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?

Well, I have not lost any hair, but I had nausea for about 2 weeks after the surgery.

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

The pain from the drain tube was the worse. I did not like it when they took out the staples because they hurt.

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

I go to school so I have not been to any support group, but I have family members and friends who has had the surgery and they have been a large support forme.

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

My scars are not that bad. I expected them to look worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stop losing weight for about 2weeks. This was horrible for me. I started drinking more water and getting my protein in.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have not noticed a difference yet. Once I lose more weight I feel people will treat me much different.