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

I've known of it for years, and finally decided to make a change due to perception, and also my health.

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

In Australia, if you have private health Insurance, there's no problem.

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

It was good. I had researched all of the surgeries available, when we met he asked why I wanted the surgery, what my expectations were. We discussed all of the options, and I demonstrated i knew what I wanted, and he agreed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health mainly. My liver was becoming effected, and my joints were giving me trouble. Image and perception was the last straw.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Researched the web and decided I wanted a permenant option, and it was less invasive than the other option.

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 fce my own mortality. I wrote letters to my husband and children in case something went wrong. I'm a strong believer of having all bases covered.

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 husband and sons have been great. Thye've watched my health decline, and working full time is becoming harder. My Mum and Dad were supportive, but my siblings did carry on a bit. I prolly wouldn't tell my siblings if i had my time over.

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

By the time I get back to work, i'd have had 3 weeks off. I had that time booked as rec leave anyway, so it's not an issue.

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

Hospital was fine, the staff were attentive and helpful

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

So far the only concern is trapped wind.

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'm only 13 days post op, so no concerns at this stage

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

Take things slow. I have learned to eat SLOWLY, even a couple of mouthfuls and then go back if you are hungry.

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

I live 30 mins away from the hospital, so there were no concerns.

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.

No comment to date

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

Day 13, I have low activity as I have hurt my back.

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

Multivitamin suppliment

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?

Day 13, I still have nausea, but that's the only problem.

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

So far, it's been what I've expected.

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

I attend the St Andrews Hospital weight loss clinic. My surgeon is setting up a support group.

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

I had keyhole surgey, so scaring is minimal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None to date

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet