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

I found out through a friend.. I knew it was something I needed to do.

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

I had to go through six months of diets before hand

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

he was very nice

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not stand the pain anymore

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt

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?

I did not have any fears..

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?

at first they did not want me to have it done.. they thought I would die on the operating table or after because of my severe asthma

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

they were very happy and supportive.. I was only out of work 3 weeks

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

I went in the hospital on Tuesday and was released on Thursday

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

no

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 only had one day to think about it

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

the first couple of days were hard.. but you have to take your time...

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

the hospital was 25 minutes away

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 cannot eat rice.. I have changed my diet often.. it seems pasta is ok.. I dont eat much meat some hamburger and chicken..but i mostly eat vegetables and pasta.. cheese..

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

at first I was tired..still am most days..my my energy level is 3 times more than it was

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

chewable vitamins, B12 and liguid vitamins

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 have only gotten sick twice.. I am just now starting to loose my hair.. and started taking vitamins for that..

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

the muscle spasms the week I came home

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

have numerous friends who have had the surgery..

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

I have six incisions and they are fading everyday

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

just got over a plateu for about 3 weeks and finally lost 4 lbs i one week