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

I am always skeptical about things and I though that it would not work because I knew several ppl who had the surgery in the early 90's who just regained the weight

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

it was fairly easy and it only took about 10 days. the worst part was just all the appointments that had to be scheduled but after a month hey I was ready

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

it was informative and he told me what would be best for me and that he has done this several times and he was confident about his skills

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being overweight and now that Im older I wanna enjoy life and of course me children... All 8 of them

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

well I wanted what would show the best results... I wanted to look good and feel great So I had the Gastric bypas

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?

The biggest fear was that I had so many surgeries before Csection x8 and I wanted to be sure that I would'nt have any complications like pulmonary Adema because I had that b4 so I got the filter to prevent clots in the lung and I was praying every day B4 that Thank God! I made it! But I would jus tell others to start working towards the goal b4 you get started and you need to have faith in the surgeon that you choose

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 did'nt speak to much family at all I jus discussed it with my Husband and kids because everyone would have there view and I did'nt want anyone to worry... Cause I have always been looked at as "the strong one' But after I did let everyone know I had the surgery that were happy that I was Happy with what I chose

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

I was off work for about 2 weeks only because I wanted to make sure I was ok... I own my own business so I didnt have anyone to answer to

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

I was fine in the hospital I actually only stayed for 4 days and it was relaxing... Most important thing to bring is your clear liquid low cal drink because the hospitals was awful but hey everything cant be good

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

no complications I was just fine enjoying life

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 to get a surgery date I had to cancel a few times because I didnt loose the 15% of the weight you have to loose but after a while i jus got with it and finally I did it

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

relax and be sure to get lots of protein in so that your body can start to adjust to less calories and your energy level will go back up

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

my surgery was about 30 mins from home it has not affected the aftercare at all the best thing to do is choose a surgeon in your area that is reputable

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.

Welll i was going through fried food with drawl because that was what made me gain the weight in the first place but after I tried it once and had the dumping syndrome I knew never to try that again... and I was a little sensetive to dairy but other then that I was fine... My suggestion is stay with your surgeons diet proggrssion chart

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

I was low at first... but about 4 weeks I was zoomin in high gear...

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

Building Blocks Vitamins and and Supplements they are the best expensive but 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?

Well nausea and vomiting was the worst side effect but the stomach sometimes reacts diffrent to new things at first but once it changes you enjoy the benifits

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

I think it was the clear liquid diet that is because your mind wants you to think that you are hungry

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

I go to meetings at the hospital where I had the surgery and hear everyones story it is very helpful because i know what to expect

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

like four little marks not even a scar it was laproscopic I love it I will show it it is a memory of what use to be

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes men are starting to notice me more people seem to be more friendly and not just staring