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

My PCP told me about it and ater I looked into it I was all for it.

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

Oh my gosh, it went real fast. Make sure you have your PCP get all your paper work together bofore they send it o get approval.

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

Was the best doctor I have ever met. Real nice with a silly side too. Got to all my questions with no problem. Make sure you have list of questions for you doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My sister is over 400 lbs and seeing her not being able to play with her kids. I don't want to be like that, I used to be a very outgoing person now I just sit and watch.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talk it over with surgon.

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?

Just thouht to myself if I don't have this surgery I will die sooner. I just keep the FAITH!!!!

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 only told members of my family that I know would support me.

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

Not working at this time.

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

It was great eveyone helped me out and got me walking. I was in the hospital 2 days. Bring Chapstick!!!!

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

I had no Complications at all.

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 am 3 weeks out today (3-22-04) and I feel great!!!!

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

I feel great able to workout wih no problem.

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

I live in Fresno, Ca and had my surgery in South San Francisco about 185 miles.

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.

eggs are the only thing I still can not eat. I am 6 months out and down 126 lbs.

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

Right after surgery when I got home I was walking all over the place.

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

GNC Mega Mulit Vit B12 Cal

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 at all.

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

Nothin! It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

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

I go 4 times a month to South San Fran for my support group. If you have this surgery you MUST go to your support classes. They know what you are going through.

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

It looks like I got shot 5 times in the belly. One looks real cute a bunny face. HAHAHA

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had surgery on March 1, 2004 and I have lost about 25 to 30 lbs a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men give the eye and my hubby just smiles.