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

a friend told me about it. It peaked my curiosity for sure.

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

I had no problems with insurance.

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

it was a relief to finally meet the surgeon. It made the process seem real.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight was sky rocketing. I didnt want to be 300 pounds and 40.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was an easy decision for me, the bypass seemed like it would work. Im a sweet eater so the lap band i dont think would have been so effective.

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 had every fear you can imagine.

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?

The people that really cared about me where very supportive. Ive lost some friends since but i guess they were not my real friends to begin with.

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

My employer was supportive i was out of work for a month.

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

My hospital stay was pleasant. the staff was very nice and helpful... I think the most important thing to bring is your own pillow.

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

no complications

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

the first few weeks i felt like i made the wrong decision...but as my body got better, my mind got better.

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

I was sore and depressed a bit, but i think that goes without saying. Its a whole new life you need to adjust to. kind of like post pardam depression.

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

I only have to drive a 1/2 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.

I really didnt have any problems with anything. I am lactose intolerant now but that isnt a big deal. Sometimes i can eat more than other days, SOme things go down easier than others, It really depends on the day.

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

I was up and walking the days and weeks following

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

I take a calcium chew, a multivitamin, and b-12

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 threw up sometimes, but mostly it was because i ate to much and didnt listen to my belly.

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

the worst part was the pain from surgery.

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

we have a few support groups both being once a month. i think its very important since there is going to be at least one person who has gone thru what your going thru.

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

i can hardly see my scars

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

im a year out and im pretty much where i think i might stay

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes