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

i saw it on VT

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

I had free care, i got the "ok" really fast, no problems at all. I was very lucky!

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

Dr. Hess is the best, he saved my life and for that he will always have a place in my heart. You can tell her really cares. Its like visiting with friends/family.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I tried everything else, nothing worked. I saw it as my last chance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I just knew.

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 didnt worry about it until the day of my bypass. I remember going into that room where they do the bypass, i cried like a baby (i've never cried like that before, i've never seen anyone cry like that) I was scared i wasnt doing the right thing, i was scared it wouldnt work, i was scared it was a mistake. I wasnt scared to die, if i did atleast i was died trying to save myself.

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 mother/sister supported me. Someone people thought i was crazy, and to young

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 great, he gave me 2 weeks off, and my mother a week off to take care of me. I also got sick a few times, he let me leave with no prob

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

My stay was good for the most part. I think they should be trained more to deal with gastric bypass issues

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

I had to go back to the hospital a month after my bypass, i wasnt getting in enough water. I stayed 3 day, got my water and was good to go Everything else went great

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 thought i was dreaming, i wanted the surgery for so long and i never thought id really get it! I ws very happy.

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

I was shocked it didnt hurt more. I was able to walk, go up stairs. I had a hard time drinking, i could get everything in. I was scared i would drink to fast.

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

I lived in bridgewater, and got it dont in Boston, 30 min ride NOT BAD!

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 could pretty much eat anything in small amounts!

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

I just walked and walked, and walked

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

nothing really- blood work is good

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?

Nausea, and sleepy. I was also really grumpy. I started to lose my hair for a few months, but its much better now

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

Not being sure what to eat

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

My mother took off work for 1week to take care of me

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

I have 6 small scars, i thought they would be way bigger! I'm happy with them

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, everyday people treat me different. I feel better walking around now, im not worried people are talking about me