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

I had looked into bariatric surgery 1st a couple of years ago. I didn't feel comfortable with the surgery and I decided not to pursue it. But this time with this dr, I felt totally comfortable with his talent.

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

Because I am so tall, my BMI was 39.5, so initially my insurance company denied me because they require a BMI of 40. However, I ended up gaining and then I was approved.

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

Impressive, bring your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well, I was continuously gaining weight and I felt I was too depressed to build up the will power to do anything about it. I wanted to lose weight but I was so down, I needed help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research

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 prayed about it and I didn't feel like God would have brought me this far to allow something to happen. I believe he is with me at all times.

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?

My family and friends were supportive, but now I wished I would not have told everyone about my decision to have WLS.

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

My supervisor didn't ask any questions, she approved my time off with no problem. I was off 1 week and 3 days.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful. I was in pain for the first 2 days and they kept me comfortable. I had my surgery on Wednesday and I went home Friday. Bring the normal hospital stay items (gown, slippers, toothbrush, etc)

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

No complications, thank God!

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 only 2 weeks post op today and I feel great. Physically I cant even tell that I had this surgery except for no hunger and my mouth is dry all the time.

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

I had a drain for 1 week and once they removed that, I felt fine. I went to the mall, etc.

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

Less than 1 hour

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.

For the 1st week, my dr only allowed broth, gatorade, propel and crystal lite. It wasn't hard to stick to this either. Now for the next 6 wks - I am only allowed cream soups, grits, malt-o-meal and smoothies. I haven't had a smoothie yet and I feel fine. I haven't really felt hunger but I think my mind is trying to convince me to eat.

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

Require to walk 30 minutes starting the day of surgery.

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

Flinstones complete twice a day

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 haven't had any Side effects

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

The waiting

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

I belong to my drs on-line support group and this is very helpful. I also belong to Obesity help

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

Minimal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 19 lbs in the first week and only 3 in the 2nd :(

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes