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

i first found out about it from my diabetic doctor. i was excited to know that i would not have to take shots no more.

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

I was approved only 3 days after it was sent it. I was so excited but yet it was still hard to believe.

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

it was quick. we just talked a few about the issues and any questions i had

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i decided because i want to live and be there for my kids

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RBG

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?

dying,

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?

some said go for it. and some just talked about others complications they had

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

she said "no way" she sounded excited

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

The hospital was very nice. The nurses on ICU was very attentive. I went in on Wednesday and came home Friday. The only thing I had brought was my toothbrush, and of course all the information I had gathered or was given to me by the nutrionist or the doctor.

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

I had no complications.

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 didnt believe it was happen until after surgery. It was all too real for me. I even told the nurse "are you sure the doctor did surgery cause I dont feel any different"

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

They was fine. I had no pain. I was walking the day after I came home from surgery. I was taking it slow of course but I was able to do eveything I had done before just at a slower pace.

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

I live in New Bedford, and the hospital was in Wareham. It was only a 20 minute 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.

Well basically I drank everything the first two weeks. I had cream of wheat, applesauce,ICB,Milk,pudding,crystal light,creamed soup. and now approx 17 days out i am able to tolerate eggs, oatmeal, turkey meatballs, cheese, fish, kale soup(pureed), cream cheese and crackers, crab meat, egg salad,

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

They was amazing, I am able to walk faster and longer.

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

I am on Prilosec the first month, I take the calicum chews, I have the flinstone vitamins, and then I also take the b-12 twice a week

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?

So far I dont have any side affects.

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

To be honest NONE, the whole process for me went so fast. I think maybe the only I would of liked more was to get to know the people in the group more. but everything else was great.

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

I will be going to my first support group Jan 22, 07. I am sure it will be lots of information and a great deal of help.

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

My scars dont bother me, they are tiny. and the though of living is so much more to me then five little scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far none.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think they might but it also maybe be that It has to do with me as well and how I feel about myself.