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

I first found out about the surgery along time ago my grandma had it done and it scared me because it fell back on her. So i was scared to have it done at first.

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

My insurance was pretty easy for me but that is only because my husband is active duty and they are usually pretty good about getting things done pretty quickly

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

My first visit with my surgeon was great he made me feel really comfortable. He makes you go to a seminar first and that is very informative. Then he will walk you through everything that he is going to be doing and how long the surgery will take and then you have to go through some other classes before they schedule you for your surgery date.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing my health was at risk and i have young kids and would like to be able to run and walk without pain. And also so i can have self confidence.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was hard for me to decide I had support from my family and friends but i think i went with more towards what the doctor had leaned towards more.

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 had alot of fears. I would cry for nights before the surgery. Because i didnt know what the outcome was going to be. But im so happy now that the fears will go away.

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 friends reacted really good about my decision they were by my side and still by my side.

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

My coworker was alright about it they were worried that something would go wrong but they have been strong with me through out the whole thing. I told them i was getting the surgery done for my health. I was out of work for 21 days and that is so i can heal right and fully

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

My hospital stay was very good. They were very caring and helpful throughout the whole stay. Very good bedside manners and always came in and checked on you at a decent time and made you feel at home. I was there for 2 days. Bring your pjs and slippers for the ride home.

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

No i have not

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 excited but scared at the same time also. I cried a few times before my surgery.

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

This is the hardest part i think because your stomach is sore and you need to make sure you are constantly sipping water and you just want to be comfortable. Its tough but just be strong and you will adjust.

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

I traveled an hour away to have my surgery but i did not mind because i knew i was going to be in good hands with the greatest doctor out there

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 was on a liquid diet before i went into have surgery. The day i got home i was on soft and pureed diet. I have found some things that i cannot tolerate but i still give them a try

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

My activity goal was pretty good the first few days after i got home i knew i needed to get out there and walk and i would walk around the block at first. Im two weeks out of surgery and now i walk at least a mile a day.

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

I have taken calcium citrate 4 times a day, b-12 once a day, pepcid 2 times a day, flintstones vitamin 2 times a day and actigall 2 times a day and my protein shakes 2 times 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?

I have only really had nauseau right now but im only two weeks out

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

I think to be honest with you is the diet change it is drastic but if you are true to your body you will do what you are told to do

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

I have not got to any right now because we are in the process of moving soon

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

They are still bandaged

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I get a little depressed every so often and wanting to eat the food my family is eating but i dont because i know this is best for me. I have been strong through this so far and i plan on staying strong

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really