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

my friend gad it done. also a friend of my mother had it too.

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

my insurance did not cover which is ridiulous. mine was private pay.

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

it was amazing. everyone was so wonderful. i would suggest writing all of your questions down in a notebook and keep it with you through your journey.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

just being sick of feeling so uncomfortable in my own skin.i did not used to feel this way and wanted to feel like the old me. And i want my girls to see me that way too.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

get a loan and schedule it. i was so ready.

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?

none

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 was very supportive however my friends were not. that made it very difficult to talk to them. I was very lucky to have such a supportive mother and children for sure.

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

well my boss is one of my best friends, and she was supportive just worried about the financial part of it. but it is fine.

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

i did not have to stay. i was in post op for about 4 hours but it was an amazing visit, the nicest people ever.

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

none at all. great doctor

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 actually did nto have any anxiety at all. i got upset the day before when i had to say goodbye to my 2 girls. but that was the only time. i was very excited.

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

the gas they use to expand your belly is the most uncomfortable part of it. it was just hard to move around and sleep. but it went away.

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

4 hours.but it was worth it and a very relaxing drive.

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.

for sure no bread.no caffine, i have no restriction right now.

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

back to normal. i am a single mom, i had to be ready to go.

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

flinestone chewables, and eas protein shakes in chocolate fudge... yummy they are really good.

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 gas after surgery in my belly. it was hard to move around.

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

i plan on attending the one here locally.

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

they are almost gone. they look great. very pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i am not there yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not at all