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

I found out about it because this girl was having it done. I then went and did my research and I decided to have it done.

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

I had no problem, I have Medicaid.

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

It was really nice, he was very informative and he is an excellent doctor. I think people will get the most out of there first visit by asking questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't like the way I looked!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did my research on which one would keep me away from sweets.

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?

Have faith, believe, and go in with a positive attitude. I don't think going in scared will help anyone.

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 give my family a 5 they came to visit but they tried to talk me out of it in the beginning.

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

I'm not working.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 5 days. I did not have a problem with anyone there because I continued to use my call bell. I would advise not bringing anything, I think the items they provide are adequate enough.

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

Yes! I had a bowel obstruction, it was horrible. I was throwing up my waste. I had to re-admitted to the hospital and a tube was placed in my nose for suction. I also suffered with severe diarrhea, and dehydration. Whats next I don't know?

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 believed in God and myself, and I was reaching for the stars. I was very very positive.

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

Wow! I was extremely tired, weak, and I just tried to stay motivated.

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

I didn't travel very far!

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 am not having problems, because I am eating what I am told to eat.

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

I took my baths, I walked, and I rested. However, I was also tired.

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

Citrate - Calcium Multivitamin Iron

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 am still having sleep distubance. I think it is because I no longer take the pain medications.

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

Waking up in the recovery room!

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

Support Group at Montefiore Hospital.

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

It's normal, I can't complain.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm stuck at 164 and it is not moving

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, everyone is admiring how I look and I get compliments everywhere I go. I love it!