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

I heard about it many years ago and then had afriend who had it done and she was doing great and thought I could possibly be where she is.

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

I didn't get approval from insurance because I had the vertical gastrectomy it was not offerred and I paid cash.

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

It went very well. Dr.Cirangle is very informative and makes you feel comfortable. I asked alot of questioins and he answred some that I did'nt think about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

As soon as I went for my consultation I just felt I had to do it and then when my father just offered to give the money for it I knew I had to do it!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Cirangle talked me into having the VG saying it was the least complicated and with the least amount of side effects. The lapband was ok but I did'nt like the idea of having a needle stuck in me to have it tightened all the time.

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 really did'nt. My fear came from me not being able to having to let go of my favorite foods

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?

Very Supportive

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

I tried to start a new job 5 days after surgery and I don't reccommend it. I had to quit my job and take time to reteach myself how to get all the liquds you nee to get in. Don't let anyone tell you it's easy especially if your not a big drinker to begin with..

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

I wa there for one night and everyone was great accept at night the nurses were so loud that I asked them to shut my door. As far as bringing things just bring an overnight bag and nothing of value.

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?

After meeting with my surgeon I booked my surgery 11/2 weeks later because I paid cash I did'nt have to wait.

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

You should expect that you're tired and that you have to give your body time to adjust. You really need to stay focused on drinking all your protien and 64 ounces of fluid. This is not as easy as you think as you can only take 2-4 ounces in 15 minutes. I'm to ld to take a sip of fluid every five minutes for every 12 hours that I'm awake.

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

45 minutes

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'm only one month post op so I'm only on liquids and pureed cottage cheese and soup and can have an egg.

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

after 2 weeks I started walking around the neighborhood and feel really good about it.

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

I take 2 multi vitamins, 1 b12, 2 tums day and 1 nexiem for heartburn

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 know it's wierd but drinking straight water make s me nautious but if I have tea or something in it I'm fine.

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

For me it's all fluid you have to consume just because I never was big into drinking alot ever.

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

I go to the support meetings once a month that my surgeon holds.

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

5 tiny incisions

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

after 3 weeks I felt I hit a plateau but am losing again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no